The Punjab government has thus far distributed Rs. 6.39 billion among flood-affected residents of the province, Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb announced on Thursday.
Addressing a ceremony to distribute ATM cards for flood-hit people of Bahawalpur and its surrounding regions, she said this was part of the Rs. 100 billion allocated by the provincial government under the Punjab Chief Minister Flood Rehabilitation Program.
According to Aurangzeb, the Punjab Disaster Management Authority has completed 90% of a flood assessment survey covering 569,000 victims. Of these, she said, relevant deputy commissioners have confirmed the data of 463,000 victims to ensure transparency in the disbursement process.
In a statement, the Punjab government said it had prepared more than 98,000 ATM cards for flood-affected people. It said 37 campsites had been established in 27 flood-affected districts across Punjab for compensation payments through the Bank of Punjab. Each beneficiary would receive Rs. 50,000 in cash as well as the ATM card.
The provincial government commenced the distribution compensation in 13 districts on Oct. 20, while disbursement in the remaining districts would start from Nov. 3. Each flood victim can withdraw up to Rs. 300,000 per day from Bank of Punjab ATMs.
The senior minister said the government has transferred Rs. 20 billion to the Bank of Punjab for the rehabilitation of flood-affected people, adding Rs. 11 billion of this has been credited to victims’ accounts. She stressed Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz would continue to stand by the flood survivors until their complete rehabilitation, noting the process had begun within 26 days.