Centre provides Rs 70.55 crore ex-gratia to victims of Gujarat rio

New Delhi, Sept 20 (UNI) The Centre has made Rs 70.55 crore available to the Gujarat Government for providing additional ex-gratia assistance to the victims of the communal violence of 2002 in the State.

In case of 1,169 deaths caused during the riots following Godhra carnage, an ex-gratia assistance of Rs.3.5 lakh would be paid in addition to the assistance already given by the State Government.

In case of injury, involving 2,548 cases, an ex-gratia assistance of Rs.1.25 lakh would be paid minus the assistance given by the State Government. The entire expenditure on payment of ex-gratia in case of death and injury would be borne by the Central Government.

Only those who received ex-gratia earlier will be eligible for the enhanced additional ex-gratia amount.

All the claims will be verified by the local administration or agency of the State Government.

In a letter sent last week, the Centre has asked the State Government to ensure that the claims are settled and the utilization certificates are sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs within 45 days.

UNI