Jammu cannot be subjected to discrimination in Disaster Relief: Zorawar

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Spokesperson, BJP Jammu & Kashmir, on Wednesday met Dr. Devansh Yadav, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, and strongly raised issue continued delay and apparent disparity in the disbursement of compensation to families affected by the 2025 floods in Jammu.
Zorawar expressed deep concern that despite the release of substantial funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the financial year 2025-26, many genuine flood-affected families in Jammu have not received fair and adequate compensation. He stated that such delays not only undermine public trust but also deepen the sense of neglect long felt by the people of Jammu.

Referring to the 2014 floods in Kashmir, Zorawar Singh Jamwal pointed out that Rs 1,000 crore was provided under Special Plan Assistance, Rs 94.33 crore under SDRF, and overall relief exceeding Rs 1,700 crore was extended. Financial support included Rs 75,000 for house repairs and Rs 3.5 lakh for the families of the deceased, and the rehabilitation process was initiated in a structured and visible manner.
In comparison, for the 2025 floods, Rs 289.39 crore was released under SDRF during 2025-26. Out of this, Rs 120.17 crore was allocated to the Jammu Division and Rs 22.96 crore to the Kashmir Division, amounting to Rs 143.14 crore released under SDRF for both divisions. However, the ground reality in Jammu indicates that the affected families are still waiting for rightful compensation, raising serious questions about the utilization and monitoring of funds.
Zorawar demanded an immediate transparent audit of the released funds, public disclosure of beneficiary lists, and time-bound disbursement of pending compensation. He categorically stated that disaster relief is a humanitarian obligation, not a matter of political convenience.
“The people of Jammu will not tolerate discrimination or administrative apathy, especially in times of natural calamity. Relief must reach every deserving family without delay,” he asserted.
Jamwal reiterated that justice, transparency, and equal treatment must form the foundation of disaster management and rehabilitation efforts.