Pay 2nd and 3rd instalment to quake victims: HC

Srinagar, Sep 20 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the state government to take necessary steps immediately to arrange for requisite funds for the disbursement of second and third instalments to the victims of the devastating October 8 earthquake.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Bashir Ahmad Khan and Justice Manzoor Ahmad Mir gave the direction on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).

The bench directed the government, through the Chief Secretary, to take necessary steps for the disbursement of second and third instalments of Rs 30,000 each to the earthquake victims.

''If this amount has to be paid by the Centre, the Chief Secretary and other concerned officers shall take necessary steps to pursue the matter with the concerned Ministry,'' the court ruled.

It said the Union Finance Minister, in that case, stands by the commitment of the Central government for grant of funds to the earthquake victims to save them from vagaries of the coming winter.

The bench further directed the government shall also take steps simultaneously to organise funds and to ensure that all the victims, who had completed their constructions, were paid the instalments within one month from the receipt of this order.

The court directed the Finance Department Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Baramulla and Kupwara, to file fresh status reports indicating the latest position including the one required by the court order on May 18, 2006.

UNI BAS HS DS1400