Patna: In a major relief measure for flood-affected families, the state govt on Saturday announced financial assistance for women who give birth while being evacuated from inundated areas. Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit said mothers delivering a girl child during evacuation will receive Rs15,000, while those giving birth to a boy will be given Rs10,000.The announcement was made during a review of the flood situation and relief operations in 12 districts along the Ganga. The meeting, held via video conferencing, covered Patna, Vaishali, Samastipur, Bhojpur, Buxar, Saran, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Lakhisarai, Munger, Katihar and Khagaria.Amrit directed district magistrates to ensure prompt and sensitive administrative action in flood-hit areas. He asked officials to run an adequate number of community kitchens so that affected people receive two nutritious meals a day.The chief secretary also ordered to strengthen healthcare services in flood-affected regions and directed the deployment of boat ambulances wherever required to reach stranded residents. He stressed the need to ensure a supply of safe drinking water and extensive bleaching powder spraying to prevent waterborne diseases.District administrations were instructed to remain in constant touch with local public representatives and respond swiftly to their feedback.Emphasising that a quick and empathetic response should remain the govt’s top priority, Amrit called for close coordination among all departments.Principal secretary of the disaster management department Santosh Kumar Mall, secretary to the CM Sanjay Kumar Singh and water resources department secretary Chandrashekhar Singh were among the senior officials present at the review meeting.
