‘Relief is not mercy, it is a right’: Word relief to be removed from Odisha Relief Code, says Minister

The word ‘Relief’ seems like showing ‘mercy’ and it will be removed from the Odisha Relief Code. Moreover, the Odisha Relief Code will be changed into the ‘Odisha Disaster Right Act’, informed Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday.

According to Pujari, the Odisha government is going to bring many reforms in the Revenue Department and discussions in this regard have been made with senior officials of the department.

Read Also: BJP & BJD at loggerheads over Mahanadi water dispute

“‘Relief is a very old word from the British era and it suggests to be showing ‘mercy’. Hence ‘right’ word will be used instead of ‘relief’. ‘Famine Act’ was enacted during British rule which was later changed to ‘Relief Code’. The Britishers were considering the relief amount provided to the victims of natural calamities as showing ‘mercy’. However, it has become a ‘right’ of the citizens now. Hence, we have sought public opinion to bring some changes to the ‘Odisha Relief Code’ under which assistance is provided to the people of the State during natural calamities. We have also sought the opinions of experts in this regard and we will also consider the opinions of various political parties. After taking the opinions of all, we will use ‘right’ in case of ‘relief’,” said Pujari.

“The amount of compensation provided to the victims of natural calamities is very low. A plan is afoot to increase the amount. We have made a draft proposal in this regard. After considering all the opinions, we will change Odisha Relief Code into ‘Odisha Disaster Right Act’,” he added.