East Champaran, 23 October . In the Kotwa area of ??the district, not a single fire victim has received government assistance this year. Till now, half a dozen fire victim families, whose investigation report has been prepared and has reached the zonal office, have not been given any assistance.

The said victims are now tired of making rounds of the zonal office and are still waiting for payment. This apathy of the administration raises big questions on the working style. According to the information received, the zonal office has received the application of 1 fire victim from Pokhara Panchayat, 1 from Jasauli, 1 from Mahammada of Bathna, 1 from Jagirha Panchayat, 1 from Bhopatpur South and 1 from Kararia Panchayat. After investigation, all the reports have been submitted to the office by the Halka employee but till now the assistance amount has not been provided to any beneficiary.

The victims’ families say that their houses and belongings were burnt to ashes in the fire, there was a loss worth lakhs, but even the little help provided by the government has not been given till date.

It is noteworthy that as per the government provision, a total assistance of Rs 12 thousand is given to each fire victim. In which 7 thousand is earmarked for cash and 5 thousand for clothes etc. In this regard, Kotwa Circle Officer Monica Anand said that some people have been given assistance.

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/ Anand Kumar