Question : RELIEF TO RIOTS VICTIMS

to reply given to USQ No. 329 dated 21.2.2006 and state:

(a) whether all the State Governments have paid the relief to the 1984 anti-Sikh riot victims;

(b) if so, the amount allocated and paid to each victim so far;

(c) the details of the pending cases with the Government and the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government has received any complaints of harassment of victims by State Government of Punjab;

(e) if so, the action taken by the Union Government thereon;

(f) whether the victims have expressed outrage on the relief amount;

(g) if so, the reasons therefor; and

(h) the steps being taken by the Government to enhance the relief amount?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)

(a): No, Sir. The State Governments concerned are still in the process of making payment of ex-gratia as per the rehabilitation package sanctioned by the Government.

(b) & (c): Information is being collected and will be laid on the Table of the House.

(d) & (e): Yes, Sir. A complaint containing allegations, inter alia, regarding harassment caused to the riot victims in Punjab was received by the Government and it was sent to the Government of Punjab for comments. The Government of Punjab has informed that the State Government has made sincere efforts to give all possible assistance/facilities for rehabilitation of riot affected families.

(f) to (h): The Government have received some representations demanding, inter alia, grant of higher amount of ex-gratia to the victims of 1984 riots. However, no proposal for enhancement of the ex-gratia amount is at present under consideration of the Government.