The state government is determined to hike the compensation to farmers committing suicide and those dying due to natural calamities.
The cabinet sub-committee, which was appointed to consider the compensation for deaths due to natural calamities, has suggested a hike of Rs1 lakh per death. However, implementation of the hike is subject to the cabinet’s decision, which is expected to be taken soon.
“The Centre shares Rs75,000 of the compensation amount of Rs1,00,000. When the compensation fixed by the Centre was Rs50,000 till 2006, the state used to give Rs1,00,000, bearing the gap amount. The Centre’s share then was Rs 37,500. Now, since the Centre has raised its share to Rs75,000, the state has decided to double the compensation amount to Rs2,00,000,” said an official from revenue department.
JS Saharia, principal secretary, relief and rehabilitation, said, “Though the committee has suggested the hike, final decision will be taken by the government.” According to officials from the department, once the compensation for natural calamities is hiked, the demand for the compensation for farmer suicides will automatically gain momentum.
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