Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a significant shift in its disaster management approach by replacing the term “relief” with “right” in the Odisha Relief Code. This change will be formalized under a new legislation titled the “Odisha Disaster Right Act,” as revealed by Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Saturday.
Minister Pujari explained that the word “relief” carries connotations of mercy and charity, rooted in the colonial era, which does not align with modern perspectives on citizen entitlements. “Relief is a very old term from British rule, implying the provision of aid as an act of kindness. However, it is now recognized as a fundamental right of citizens,” he stated.
The decision is part of broader reforms in the state’s Revenue Department. Discussions have been held with senior officials, and public and expert opinions are being sought to finalize the changes. Minister Pujari emphasized the need for inclusivity in the process, saying, “We are consulting experts, political parties, and the public to ensure a comprehensive and progressive framework for disaster response.”
In addition to the semantic shift, the government is also working on increasing the compensation provided to victims of natural calamities, acknowledging that current amounts are insufficient. A draft proposal has been prepared, and once consultations are complete, the revised code will be introduced as the Odisha Disaster Right Act.
This move underscores Odisha’s commitment to treating disaster assistance as a citizen’s right rather than an act of benevolence, aligning the state’s disaster response policies with modern principles of dignity and justice.
