*Programme to pay financial assistance to flood affectees kicks off in Pindi Bhattian
Punjab government has begun payment of financial assistance to the flood affected people on Wednesday in a ceremony held in Pindi Bhattian which was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz said payment of the first instalment of compensation amount to the affectees will be completed before Eidul Azha. He said payment of the second instalment will begin on the 20th of this month.
The chief minister said the government has already distributed six million rupees among the heirs of each person killed in the floods. He said committees comprising retired judges, military officers and head masters will be constituted to monitor the process of payment of the compensation amount to the affected people.
The federal and provincial governments have set aside an amount of fifteen billion rupees for compensation of the flood affectees.
In the first phase, Rs 25,000 are being paid to each affected family in sixteen districts of the province. Seventy-eight distribution centres have been opened for the purpose in the flood-hit districts of the province.
The provincial government has evolved a mechanism for distribution of financial assistance under which no deserving person will remain deprived of his right.
He said that sincere and concrete efforts of federal and provincial government for the rehabilitation of flood victims are admirable.
Addressing the flood affectees of Shahpur tehsil during a compensation cheques distribution ceremony in district Sargodha on Wednesday, he said all institutions including Pakistan Army, Air Force and police have played a very constructive role during floods and provided food and other relief goods to the victims.
Criticising the sit-ins’ leadership, he said they should postpone their protest and step forward to help their flood-hit brothers and sisters.
He advised the provincial ministers and secretaries to offer Eid prayer with flood victims.
