Patna: The Bihar government has sanctioned Rs 4.7 crore from the chief minister’s relief fund to provide compensation and assistance to victims of disasters and accidents, officials said after a high-level meeting chaired by the chief minister, Nitish Kumar.
The decision was taken during the 24th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, at the Sankalp auditorium at 1 Aney Marg in Patna. Key issues related to the utilisation of the fund were discussed, and directions were issued to officials on disbursal and implementation.
According to officials, Rs 4,70,50,000 has been approved as ex gratia assistance. This includes support for the families of 89 people who died in accidents outside the state, 41 individuals who suffered serious injuries, and the dependants of 72 people who died in various disasters within Bihar.
In addition, Rs 38.19 lakh has been sanctioned to assist children born in flood relief camps and to provide essential items such as utensils and clothing to residents in these camps.
The board also approved the release of Rs 86 lakh to the labour resources department for the rehabilitation of adolescents aged between 14 and 18 who have been rescued from child labour, with assistance calculated at Rs 25,000 per beneficiary.
Addressing the meeting, Kumar said the relief fund plays a crucial role in ensuring timely support during emergencies and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending assistance to those affected by disasters.
Senior officials present at the meeting included the disaster management minister, Narayan Prasad, the principal secretary to the chief minister, Deepak Kumar, and the director general of police, Vinay Kumar.
