Bhubaneswar, Nov 11 (UDN): The Odisha Government has expanded its emergency relief programme to cover all blocks in Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts following the impact of Cyclone Arnab.
Under the relief package announced by the Chief Minister, every affected family in the three districts will receive 50 kg of rice and financial assistance of Rs 2,500, according to a press release issued by the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) on Wednesday.
The move is aimed at ensuring that cyclone-affected households across the three districts receive immediate support, including essential food supplies and financial assistance.
Collectors Asked To Verify Beneficiaries
The District Collectors of Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal have been directed to begin the enumeration and verification of eligible families across all blocks without delay.
The district administrations will coordinate with the respective District Civil Supplies Officers and the Odisha State Civil Supplies Corporation (OSCSC) to arrange the required rice stocks and ensure their timely distribution.
The verification process is expected to help authorities identify beneficiaries and maintain transparency in the delivery of relief assistance.
Rs 2,500 Assistance Through DBT
The financial assistance of Rs 2,500 per family will primarily be transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
However, in areas where banking services have been affected by the cyclone, the administration has been permitted to use authorised alternative payment methods. Proper records must be maintained to ensure accountability in the distribution process.
Daily Progress Reports Made Mandatory
To monitor the implementation of the relief package, the State Government has instructed the three District Collectors to submit daily progress reports detailing block-wise distribution of rice and financial assistance.
The reports must reach the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) by 5 PM every day until the entire relief exercise is completed.
The expanded coverage is expected to speed up the delivery of essential supplies and financial support to cyclone-hit families across Ganjam, Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.