Pune civic employees urged to donate a day’s salary to CM’s Relief Fund for flood-hit citizens

Earlier this month the state government had urged its employees to donate a day’s salary for the same purpose. “The situation that has arisen due to natural calamity of heavy rain in the state recently… Thus, all state government employees should participate in providing relief to the affected citizens and should donate their one-day salary in the CM Relief Fund,” said the state government resolution.

The municipal commissioner said those who are not keen on donating a day’s salary for the purpose should give it in writing so that their salary is not cut. “Those donating a day’s salary should be issued a certificate to avail due benefit when it comes to income tax payment,” he added.

Various parts of Maharashtra have witnessed heavy rain and flooding of late, washing away fertile land from hundreds of farms. The state government has declared financial assistance for the affected citizens but the opposition has criticised it as a meagre amount compared to the heavy losses suffered.

Last month, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking the release of more aid from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) for the state’s flood-affected farmers. The letter stated that around 50 lakh hectares were damaged due to incessant rain.