War-hit people in border States to get compensation
From Our Delhi Office, JANAURY, 7.-The Ministry of Defence has issued instructions for the payment of compensation to persons in the border states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab. Rajasthan, Gujrat, West Bengal, Assam, Meghalaya and Tripura affected by the Indo-Pak hostilities.
A Press note said: “Under these instructions, the local revenue authorities are to determine the amount of compensation to be paid in consultation with the local military authorities. Fifty per cent of the compensation so arrived at is to be paid by the Deputy Commissioners immediately, while the balance 50 is to be paid after obtaining sanction of higher authorities.
“In the Amritsar and Ferozpur Districts of Punjab, 50 per cent of the estimated amount of compensation is already under disbursement. Fresh claims for compensation in these districts are also being finalised on a very urgent basis and 50 per cent thereof will be disbursed shortly.
“In other border districts of Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir. Rajasthan and Gujarat the distribution of compensation is in progress and is hoped that disbursements will begin to be made shortly.
“In the Eastern sector also, the process of payment of compensation is being expedited.
“In respect of land which is under occupation of our Army in the border areas, action is being taken by Army authorities for cataloguing the occupation of land, etc., and obtaining administrative sanction for biring equisitioning the areas so that the people concerned are compensated without delay.
“The Government has also issued orders for relief and rehabilitation of persons in borders areas who have been affected by enemy action during the recent hostilities. These orders are being implemented and exgratia payments to these persons are under disbursement.”
Reference: Hindustan Standard 8. 1. 1972