B K SINHA, Gujarat relief commissioner

How is it that several hundred inmates at relief camps still haven’t got even the minimal compensation?

They will get it. Actually, the government has doubled the amount and hence those who haven’t received the compensation will now get Rs 2,500. Some Rs 2.58 crore has already been paid to 20,700 families.

When would the relief process get over so that rehabilitation can begin?

In Ahmedabad itself the problem is because people, particularly from Naroda Patia and Sahejpur areas, don’t want to go back. So even the ones who have been paid housing loss compensation are still living in the camps.

Why is the number of inmates in camps still increasing while the quantum of foodgrain and water being supplied stays the same?

There has been a continuous increase and decrease in the number of inmates. The collector is empowered to announce the ration accordingly and the fine tuning has to be done by him.

Why is it that while the organisers of the Shah Alam camp have been given a list of 132 dead, only 10 have been given compensation?

The problem may be due to the bodies being charred beyond recognition. Of the 563 deaths registered with us, virtually everyone has been paid and the total compensation amount is Rs 6.06 crore.

What is the status of relief compensation after two and a half months?

Despite the tense circumstances, I am satisfied with the progress. If there has been a shortfall, it is primarily due to the tension that gets sparked off every now and then.