PMO flags delay in relief distribution in Darjeeling

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has flagged an undue delay in the submission of the verified list of victims affected by last month’s landslides and floods in the Darjeeling region, holding up the release of ex-gratia assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.

According to information received from the PMO, the Darjeeling District Magistrate’s Office has yet to submit the official list of deceased and injured persons, along with their bank details and supporting documents — a procedural lapse that has stalled the disbursement of compensation.

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Darjeeling MP Raju Bista, referring to the PMO’s communiqué, said, “It is deeply concerning that despite the PMO communicating with the District Magistrate’s Office on 9 October, the required details have still not been furnished. Such administrative delay is unacceptable, particularly in the aftermath of a disaster of this scale.”

He added that the delay has prevented the victims’ families from receiving the assistance sanctioned on 6 October Rs 2 lakh for each deceased and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured. “I have written to the newly-appointed District Magistrate, urging him to expedite the submission of the verified list so that the affected families can receive the compensation without further delay,” he said.

The heavy rainfall of October 4-5 triggered severe landslides and floods across the Darjeeling region, causing extensive damage, loss of lives, and displacement of families, many of whom continue to await financial relief.