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Srinagar, May 29 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir government today refuted a reported statement of Planning Commission member Syeda Saiyidain Hameed in which she pulled up the state administration for its failure to rehabilitate and improve the living conditions of the survivors of the devastating earthquake of October 8, 2005.

In a press release here, Additional Commissioner, Kashmir, clarified a media report on Ms Hameed's statement on the post-earthquake rehabilitation measures undertaken by the state government in Uri.

''Reports obtained from the field agencies suggest that Ms Hameed had not visited the quake-affected area of Uri during her recent visit to the Kashmir valley.'' he said.

The official further said as per the Calamity Relief Rules, a concrete house fully damaged due to the natural calamity was entitled for a relief of Rs 10,000. Similarly, a non-concrete house damaged fully was entitled for a relief of Rs 6,000.

He said partially damaged concrete and non-concrete houses were entitled for a relief of Rs 2000 and Rs 1200 respectively.

However, keeping in view the magnitude of devastation caused by the killer quake, the state government with central assistance decided to provide Rs one lakh for the fully damaged house and Rs 30,000 for the partially damaged structure, the official added.

He said the state government also decided to sanction special assistance of Rs 30,000 for construction of temporary shelters up to three units per household with an incentive of Rs 5,000 to those who constructed the sheds before the end of December 2005. This incentive related package was sanctioned to prevent any deaths due to the biting cold in view of fast approaching winter conditions, the Assistant Commissioner added.

He said the measure largely helped in saving precious lives and not a single death was reported from the quake-affected areas due to cold or starvation. This measure of the state government has been widely appreciated both at national and international levels.

An ex-gratia relief of Rs 508.27 crore had been sanctioned to the earthquake victims of the Kashmir valley so far, the official said, adding the process of disbursement of relief has been carried out on a war-footing and was nearing completion.

To ensure that the money provided by the state government for construction of houses was utilised, he said the administration initially decided to provide relief in three instalments. While Rs 40,000 was provided at the start of the construction, the second and third instalments of Rs 30,000 each were given on reaching the foundation and roof levels respectively.

The official said this was considered necessary in view of certain reports regarding diversion of relief for other purposes and also the fact that funds were received by the state government in instalments.

However, the condition was later relaxed and the entire relief was provided in two instalments only, he said, adding Rs 40,000 was given at the start of the construction and the second instalment of Rs 60,000, provided after reaching the plinth level.

The official further said 1.75 lakh partially damaged houses and cases have been assisted in the Kashmir valley. This assistance was provided in one go, he added.

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