Finalise scheme for flood-hit traders in 15 days, Governor tells Chief Secy

Tribune News Service

Jammu, February 6

Governor NN Vohra today directed Chief Secretary BR Sharma to finalise a scheme for flood-affected traders and small business enterprises within 15 days.

Jammu and Kashmir was severely hit by a devastating deluge in September 2014.

The Governor was reviewing relief being provided to the flood-affected traders and small business enterprises in the state at a meeting held at Raj Bhawan here today.

He was informed that the Reconstruction Plan for the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which was announced by the Prime Minister on November 7, 2015, includes a provision of Rs 800 crore as the Central assistance for interest subvention on the support provided for the restoration of livelihoods for traders, self-employed, business establishments, etc.

Chief Secretary BR Sharma informed the Governor that the State-Level Bankers’ Committee had earlier approved restructuring of loans of traders and small businesses affected by floods, with an extended moratorium period for repayment.

After discussion, the Governor directed Sharma to finalise the scheme for interest subvention for restoration of livelihoods for traders, self-employed, business establishments, etc, by February 21 this year.

The Governor also directed that the proposal for disbursement of assistance for completely damaged, severely damaged and partially damaged houses, approximately 73,000 kutcha houses and 1,58,000 pucca houses, for which a Central assistance of Rs 1194 crore has been released under the PM’s Reconstruction Plan be also finalised urgently and brought up before the State Administrative Council for approval.

Besides the Chief Secretary, the meeting was attended by BB Vyas, Financial Commissioner (Planning and Development); PK Tripathi, Principal Secretary to Governor; and Navin K Choudhary, Commissioner, Finance Department.