*Relief to migratory tribal families as per national norms *Secretary, Tribal Affairs Deptt expresses gratitude to Lieutenant Governor Sh Manoj Sinha, thanks Chief Secretary Dr A K Mehta and Secretary DMRR The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued notification under the Disaster Management Act declaring untimely snowfall and heavy rainfall between 19-22 June 2022 as a State Specific Natural Disaster as per SDRF norms. The approval was accorded by Lieutenant Governor Sh Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta for issuance of Natural Calamity notification on the proposal moved by Tribal Affairs Department through the Department of Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation. Pertinently, hundreds of tribal families having migrated to highland pastures – “Dhoks” suffered enormous losses due to untimely snowfall and heavy rainfall between 19 to 22 June 2022. On the directions of Lieutenant Governor Sh Manoj Sinha the Deputy Commissioners promptly started relief and rescue operations and also provided immediate relief support to affected families. Based on the assessment of losses and reports obtained from Deputy Commissioners the Tribal Affairs Department moved a proposal through the Department of Disaster Management, Relief and Rehabilitation for declaration of the loss as a natural calamity which enabled the government to provide relief as per SDRF norms in addition to the immediate relief provided by the DCs. Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta recommended the proposed formulated by the DMRRR for relief to the affected families. He also directed DCs to ensure comprehensive assessment of losses to ensure no family is left out. Secretary DMRR Nazim Zai Khan earlier formulated the proposal based on recommendations submitted by the Tribal Affairs Department in view of heavy losses suffered by the migratory tribal families. This is first time that such a notification has been issued to provide relief to losses suffered by the migratory tribal families in highland pastures. Secretary, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary expressed gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor Sh Manoj Sinha for approval of the proposal declaring June 19-22 2022 losses as J&K specific natural calamity under SDRF norms which will enable compensation as per national norms for loss of livestock and household items as well as livelihood during the period. It also enables the Deputy Commissioners to provide various facilities to the affected families. He also thanked the Chief Secretary Dr Arun Kumar Mehta for personal guidance in timely assessment of losses and approval of proposal to declare it as a natural calamity. He further thanked the Secretary DMRRR Nazim Zai Khan for timely action viz a viz approvals and release of funds. The Deputy Commissioners have been asked to provide relief as per SDRF norms to affected families and provide requisite support for livelihood. This is in addition to the emergent relief provided by the DCs. Deputy Commissioner, Shopian already approved Rs 60 Lakh relief while massive relief efforts were made in Kulgam, Pulwama and Budgam among other districts. The Tribal Affairs Deptt has asked the DCs for relief/compensation and livelihood support to affected families through DBT, in the affected areas.
