VIJAYAWADA: CM N. Chandrababu Naidu Announces Flood Compensation Package
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced a comprehensive compensation package for flood victims in Vijayawada and farmers affected by recent heavy rains. He stated that 272,727 families have been impacted directly or indirectly by the floods. Under the new scheme, families with submerged ground-floor homes within the jurisdiction of 179 Sachivalayams will receive Rs 25,000, while those in first-floor homes will be granted Rs 10,000. In other areas of the state, ground-floor homes will receive Rs 10,000 each.
Naidu noted that this is the first time such a substantial compensation package has been introduced, compared to previous aid of only Rs 4,000 per house. Small businesses, such as kirana shops and hotels, will receive Rs 25,000 each, while registered establishments and MSMEs with a turnover below Rs 40 lakh will receive Rs 50,000. Those with a turnover between Rs 40 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore will be compensated Rs Crop and Vehicle Compensation
For crop losses, the Chief Minister announced Rs 25,000 per hectare for cotton, groundnut, paddy, and first crop sugarcane, while Rs 15,000 per hectare will be provided for other crops. Regarding damaged vehicles, two-wheeler owners will receive Rs 3,000, three-wheeler owners will receive Rs 10,000, and damaged pushcarts will be replaced.
Additionally, weavers and artisans in flood-affected areas will be compensated with Rs 25,000 each. Fishermen will receive Rs 9,000 for partial damage to nets and Rs 25,000 for complete damage. For fish farms, the compensation will be Rs 18,000 per hectare, while sericulture farms will receive Rs 25,000 per hectare. Livestock compensation includes Rs 50,000 for cows and buffaloes, Rs 40,000 for bullocks, and Rs 25,000 for calves.
Loan Facilitation Measures
Naidu also outlined measures to facilitate bank loans for affected individuals. Banks will provide Rs 50,000 loans with a 36-month repayment period and a three-month moratorium for those with damaged ground-floor homes, while first-floor homes will be eligible for Rs 25,000 loans. For shops and MSMEs, banks have agreed to reschedule payments for 12 months, with the government requesting an extension to 24 months and additional working capital without further collateral.
Describing the floods in Vijayawada as one of the greatest challenges faced by his government in its first 100 days, Naidu praised the swift recovery efforts, stating that normalcy was restored within ten days, a stark contrast to the prolonged recovery under previous administrations.
Critique of the Previous Government
Naidu criticized the previous YSRC government, claiming its negligence and irregularities exacerbated the situation. He noted that if the Budameru project had been completed, the state could have avoided the disaster. He alleged that funds intended for the Polavaram project and the Panchayat Raj Department were misused, contributing to the current financial strain.
Concerns Over Visakhapatnam Steel Plant
Addressing questions about the potential privatization of the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Naidu expressed his commitment to preventing it but urged management and employees to implement effective policies to restore profitability. He acknowledged the plant's sentimental value to the state but insisted that this cannot be a reason for a bailout. Discussions with Union Ministers regarding potential funding for the plant are underway.
Naidu concluded by reiterating his commitment to addressing the issues faced by the state and ensuring that proper measures are taken to facilitate recovery and growth.