Ranchi witnessed a pivotal gathering on Tuesday as Chief Minister Hemant Soren led the State Disaster Management Authority’s review at the secretariat. The discussions yielded bold reforms to bolster the state’s response to emergencies and support grieving families more effectively.
Key among the resolutions was extending the contracts of district-level capacity-building officers and disaster management personnel through 2026-27 under the specialized program. This ensures seasoned professionals remain on the frontlines.
Streamlining aid distribution, the administration mandated that Deputy Commissioners verify local disaster fatalities before releasing ex-gratia funds. This curbs dual payments and accelerates relief. Families of insured deceased can opt for either government aid or insurance payouts, but not both.
Road accident compensation saw a fourfold increase to Rs 4 lakh from the previous Rs 1 lakh, a game-changer for victims’ kin facing sudden losses.
Focus sharpened on the ‘Yuwa Aapda Mitra Scheme’ in select Santhal Pargana districts. A volunteer database will link to emergency systems, backed by SOPs and allowances as per CM’s orders.
Tackling water-related deaths—a persistent issue—48 divers received training nod. The CM pushed for broader recruitment, incorporating police, home guards, and female divers to build a robust team.
With Minister Irfan Ansari and Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar present, these measures signal Jharkhand’s proactive stance against disasters, promising safer futures for its residents.
