Odisha Govt increases ex-gratia for the victims of man-animal conflict

Bhubaneswar: To help the victims of the man-animal conflict in the state, the Odisha government has hiked the compensation amount for the next of kin of the victims of the wild animal attack and assistance for property damage.

As per the new guidelines, the compensation amount for the kin of the deceased killed in the attack of wild animals has been hiked from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh.

In case of permanent injury, if the victim suffers less than 60 percent wounds, the financial assistance has been increased to Rs 1.5 lakh from Rs 1 lakh. While the victim will receive Rs 2.5 lakh in cases of more than 60 percent wounds.

In case of temporary injuries, the victim would get free treatment at a government hospital. If the victim has to spend more than a week at the hospital, then they will be entitled to get Rs 10,000, and if less than a week then Rs 5,000.

In case of livestock loss, the compensation amount has also been increased. The compensation amount for the loss of cow is Rs 37,500, for bullock Rs 32,000, Rs 5,000 for calves, Rs 4,000 for goat/sheep, and Rs 1,500 for lamb.

For the damages to cereal crops by wild animals, the compensation has been hiked from Rs 10,000 per acre to Rs 20,000. For commercial crops, the hike is from Rs 12,000 to Rs 25,000.

For damage to property like houses, the victims would get Rs 10,000. In case of permanent damage to the house, the victim will be entitled to financial assistance under the Biju Pucca Ghar scheme along with an additional amount of Rs 20,000.