Jammu Kashmir: Assembly Withdraws Bill Seeking Enhanced Relief for Fire Victims

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday withdrew a Bill seeking to enhance financial assistance for fire victims across the Union Territory. The Bill, introduced by Altaf Ahmad Wani, MLA from Pahalgam, aimed to provide greater compensation to families whose homes were damaged or destroyed in fire incidents.

Introducing the Bill, Wani said it aimed to provide immediate and adequate relief to families affected by fire incidents, arguing that existing compensation was grossly insufficient. He highlighted that victims currently receive limited aid under various relief mechanisms, including the Red Cross, the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), and local community contributions.

“The Red Cross offers only two blankets, four utensils, and Rs 2,000 in cash. The SDRF provides Rs 1.36 lakh, which is not enough considering the soaring cost of building materials,” Wani said. He further noted that there are no clear provisions under the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to assist such victims.

Wani urged the government to increase the compensation to Rs 5 lakh for fully damaged houses, Rs 3 lakh for severely damaged ones, and Rs 2 lakh for partially damaged structures.

Responding to the proposal, the Chief Minister termed the Bill “needless”, saying that the government already provides relief to fire victims through multiple sources — the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), SDRF, the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and the Red Cross.

“In case of extreme accidents, we even provide relaxation beyond the prescribed limits. If Mr Wani has specific suggestions for improvement, he can put them forward — but a separate Bill is not required,” the Chief Minister said.

Acknowledging Wani’s concern, the Chief Minister assured that the proposal for enhancement of relief amounts would be discussed with the concerned officers. Following the assurance, Wani agreed to withdraw the Bill.