BHUBANESWAR: Even though the State Government is assailed for its alleged inaction to stop the Kandhamal riots in 2008, there is something to cheer about on the rehabilitation front.
Rehabilitation measures are going on expeditiously for the affected and even the National Commission for Minorities, which reviewed the progress recently, had expressed satisfaction.
A review reveals that ex gratia of ` 2 lakh each has been disbursed to the families of all 38 persons who died in the violence. All 37 eligible victims have been provided ` 3 lakh each under a Central scheme for assistance to victims. Land has been provided to 55,105 landless persons for agricultural purposes under the Orissa Government Land Settlement Act, the Orissa Prevention of Land Encroachment Act and the Forest Rights Act.
House-building assistance has been provided to 4,821 families. As many as 225 religious institutions, irrespective of the status of land they are located on, have been sanctioned ` 53.70 lakh for reconstruction works. Financial assistance of ` 6.30 lakh has been sanctioned in favour of 12 damaged public institutions. Assistance of ` 19.45 lakh has also been given to 119 shop-owners whose units were damaged during the violence.
Official sources said agricultural loans taken by farmers during 2008-09, have been waived by implementing Agricultural Debt Waiver and Debt Relief Scheme, 2008. By this ` 12.25 crore loan has been written off benefiting 17,901. Assistance under project ‘Assist’ of National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH) has been extended to 15 persons who became destitute or orphan in the violence. Another 12 cases have been forwarded to NFCH.
The State Government has also announced a special package, which includes creation of social security network, development of livelihood opportunities, setting up of training institutes for improving employability of youths and strengthening of educational institutions, health services and communication infrastructure.
Due care has been taken for prosecution and proceedings in criminal cases. At least 827 criminal cases have been registered and of which accused have been chargesheeted in 512 cases. So far 361 persons in 65 cases have been convicted while 321 cases are under trial.
The Government has appointed two commissions under two retired judges of high court to examine all the details of cases. Special prosecutors have also been engaged to deal with the cases. However, the commissions are yet to submit their reports.
