LAHORE:
The Punjab cabinet has approved disbursement of relief funds to flood-affected families from October 17 and sanctioned the compensation package.
Under the package, families of those who lost their lives will receive Rs1 million each, while victims of permanent disability will receive Rs500,000 and those with other injuries Rs300,000.
In addition, Rs1 million will be given for collapsed and Rs300,000 for damaged concrete houses. The amount for destroyed mud houses is Rs500,000 and damaged Rs150,000.
Compensation of up to Rs500,000 will be given for large livestock and Rs50,000 for small animals lost in the floods.
The cabinet approved a decision to pay Rs20,000 per acre to farmers who suffered a 25 per cent crop loss.
It decided to waive Abiana and agricultural income tax in 2,855 villages across Punjab.
It was emphasised that all flood victims will receive due assistance and no illegal construction will be allowed in riverbeds.
Presiding very over the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced a monthly salary increase of Rs15,000 for Civil Defence volunteers in recognition of their services during the flood operations. Despite facing the largest flood in its history, the province had recorded the lowest mortality rate, the cabinet was informed.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that Punjab had never witnessed such a devastating flood before, as entire towns,including Narowal and Muzaffargarh, were badly affected.
She said the decision to bring young people into leadership roles had once again proven right.
