MANGALURU: Revenue minister R V Deshpande has directed officials to be more responsible during rainy season and asked deputy commissioners to sanction leave for staff only in case of emergency.After visiting rain affected areas in Mangaluru city and Ullal on Thursday, Deshpande directed that all district administrations in the state should hold weekly review meetings to assess rain damages. The minister chaired review meeting involving people’s representatives and officials at the deputy commissioner’s office here."I have directed deputy commissioners of all districts to hold review meetings to assess rain damages and to take up relief measures. District level officials should hold video conference with taluk level officials. Officials should sanction leave to subordinates only if the reason is of emergency nature. In addition, officials at the district and taluk levels should visit places that are affected by rains and listen to the grievances of people. This exercise will reduce the complaints," Deshpande said.Almost all the 30 districts in the state have been witnessing heavy rain. Instances of loss of life, property and cattle are being reported from all parts of the state. Relief measures are being taken up based on the guidelines of National Calamity Relief Fund (NCCF). The state government has released Rs 22 crore for calamity relief in the wake of heavy rains in the state. Deputy commissioners have been asked to reserve a minimum of Rs 5 crore for the calamity relief works. Officials should respond to grievances related to rain damages and take up relief measures on a war footing, he said.The government has decided to sanction additional Rs 1 lakh to the kin of those died in natural calamities. While Rs 4 lakh will be sanctioned to the kin of diseased from the NCRF, the state government has decided to sanction additional Rs one lakh from the chief minister’s relief fund, he added.Directions have been given to agriculture and animal husbandry departments to submit reports related to crop loss and death of livestock, the minister said.

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