Bhubaneswar: In the wake of Cyclone Arnab’s impact, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has introduced a relief initiative designed to assist those impacted, including families, farmers, fishermen, livestock owners, and traders.
This announcement came after a high-level meeting led by Majhi on Sunday at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office, where the current situation was assessed.
Present at the meeting were Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, and Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.
“The state government is always prepared to provide help to all those affected in the state. We have extended support during previous disasters, and this time will be no different for those impacted,” stated the Chief Minister.
Majhi noted his ongoing communication with the Central government regarding the cyclone and mentioned discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
A Central Inter-Ministerial Committee is scheduled to arrive in Odisha on November 2 to evaluate the damage, particularly in the Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts.
The Chief Minister reaffirmed that all affected individuals will receive support.
As another cyclone, Murasu, is potentially approaching, government teams involved in relief efforts have been instructed to remain vigilant in their designated areas.
Under the relief package introduced by Chief Minister Majhi, each impacted family is set to receive 50 kg of rice along with a financial aid of Rs 2,500.
Farmers experiencing crop losses exceeding 33 percent will qualify for an input subsidy applicable to up to two hectares, with rates of Rs 8,500 per hectare for non-irrigated land, Rs 17,000 for irrigated land, and Rs 22,500 for perennial crops.
Additional assistance will be provided for the removal of sand and silt from agricultural land, alongside the distribution of 1.75 lakh special mini seed kits.
For areas facing at least a 33 percent crop loss, short-term Kharif loans may be converted to medium-term loans.
Joint liability groups will assist in securing credit for sharecroppers, landless farmers, and cultivators working under oral agreements.
Families whose homes have been completely or severely damaged will receive Rs 1.2 lakh in plain areas and Rs 1.3 lakh in hilly regions.
Support will extend to those with partially damaged homes, shelters for livestock, and essential household items.
The relief package will also cover compensation for lost livestock, as well as support for dairy, poultry, and fish farmers, with assistance designated for fishermen whose boats and nets were damaged.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), traders, and shopkeepers affected can apply for loans up to Rs 12 lakh, with a 25 percent subsidy, capped at Rs 3 lakh.
Street vendors and temporary stall owners will receive Rs 10,000, while shops and commercial establishments will benefit from Rs 25,000.
Women’s self-help groups (SHGs) that meet eligibility criteria will receive an additional seed fund of Rs 5,000.
Weavers and artisans will be supported in replacing their tools and equipment, while farmers involved in sericulture will receive input assistance.
The Chief Minister has also instructed the Odisha Lift Irrigation Corporation to promptly repair lift irrigation points in the affected villages, ensuring they are operational ahead of the upcoming Rabi season.
