Cuttack, Feb 13 (PTI) The Cuttack and Khurda district administrations today told the Orissa High Court that a proposal is pending before the State Election Commission for its approval to go ahead with social benefit measures for the families of recent hooch tragedy victims of the districts. In response to a HC notice, the district collectors in their affidavits have also mentioned that Rs 10,000 each has been paid to the families of the victims to meet the funeral expenses of the deceased who died after consuming spurious liquor last week. A Division Bench headed by Chief Justice V Gopala Gowda is adjudicating over a PIL in which it was alleged that the families of liquor tragedy victims were not properly compensated and the victims were not given proper treatment. Responding to the HC notice, the collectors said mobile health units are now deployed in the affected areas disseminating information, education and communication (IEC) activities and requesting the people to refrain from liquor. Since the model code of conduct is now in force for the ongoing panchayat polls, the collectors told the court that no welfare measures like income-generating and social benefits schemes can be announced for the families of the victims now. They however, maintained that the state election commission has been approached to approve the proposals. At least 34 persons have died till date in the hooch tragedy that unfolded in at least five adjoining villages of Cuttack and Khurda districts.
