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District In-charge Minister of DK, UT Khader visits Sadashiv Shetty’s residence at Pajeeru, Bantwal Taluk
Mangaluru: Struck by light, Sadashiv Shetty did not lose only his house, but he somewhere lost faith that the government would ever do justice.
However, today he a proud man who walks with his head held high. He has rebuilt his damaged house without any help from the government.
A resident of Pajeeru Gram Panchayath limits in the Bantwal taluk, Shetty lost his house this year, on July 19. Meanwhile, three coconut trees were also hit by the lightning strike. Though the loss was estimated to be around Rs 1.8 lakh, the district administration recently released a meagre amount of Rs 5,000 as compensation.
A stern Shetty refused to accept the same saying that he could put things together without the Rs 5,000.
Though Sadashiv Shetty’s wife and brother were at home during the incident, they were left unhurt.
As the electronic items in their home like their television, refrigerator and inverter among others were damaged during the incident, Sadashiva was forced to spend over Rs 40,000 for re-electrification alone. Soon after the incident, Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U T Khader, Zilla Panchayath member Mamatha Gatti and Taluk Panchayath President Chandrahas Karkera among others, paid a visit to the spot. The village accountant of Pajeer Gram Panchayath assessed the properties and estimated the loss to be around Rs 1,80,000. He then sent it to the department concerned for processing the compensation. However, when the government released the compensation from its natural calamities relief fund, Sadashiva was shocked to find out that it was only Rs 5,000.
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Cracked walls and the damaged electrical circuit at Sadashiv Shetty’s residence
Sadashiva refused to accept the compensation claiming that he spent over Rs 2 lakh after his house was struck by lightning. When asked why he refused the compensation, Sadashiva told NewsKarnataka that the compensation of Rs 5,000 was too meagre an amount. “What can I do with such a meagre amount? If the government really wants to help the people, it should release at least half of the amount they are forced to spend after the incident. By giving silly reasons, the officials deny the release of proper compensation,” he said.
Shetty works in a local shop, while his daughter is employed in a mall in Mangalore. The two pooled money and even pledged gold to rebuild the house.
House completely damaged, but no compensation yet!
In another incident at Muloor in the Balepuni Gram Panchayath limits, a house belonging to Ganesh Shetty was completely damaged due to heavy rains. Though the elected representatives and concerned officials visited the spot and assured him a helping hand, Ganesh did not receive any compensation so far. The plight of Varija, also of the same locality, is not so different. After her house partially collapsed during the heavy rains, her family did not get any compensation from the government till date.
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Ganesh Shetty’s residence at Muloor devastated due to heavy downpour
Rs 70 lakh earmarked for each taluk
According to sources, a total of Rs 70 lakh has been earmarked for each taluk to provide compensation from the natural calamities relief fund. However, there are certain guidelines for allotting compensation. The Tahasildar can release Rs 94,100 if a house has been completely damaged and he can release only Rs 5,200 if it is partially damaged. There have been allegations made against the revenue officials and village accountants for assessing property damage while sitting in their office, which prevents the victims from receiving proper compensation.
Take measures to release compensation immediately
When reached for a comment, Zilla Panchayath member Mamatha Gatti told NewsKarnataka that officials should not give silly reasons while distributing compensation. “Why does the district administration take a long time to distribute compensation? Those who lost their property due to natural calamities need immediate help. There is no meaning in releasing the amount after a long time,” she said.
We will re-verify it – Tahasildar
Bantwal Tahasildar Purandar Hegde admitted to NewsKarnataka that he has Rs 70 lakh in his account meant for the disbursement of compensation to the victims of natural calamities. “I should follow certain guidelines while disbursing compensation. If a victim is not satisfied with the released amount, he or she can apply for the compensation again. We will inspect the spot again and re-verify it. If we find any loopholes in the assessment, proper compensation will be provided to them,” he informed.
