Vasco: Chief minister Pramod Sawant on Monday disbursed Rs 1.3 crore in relief to 103 claimants covering 145 shops damaged in the fire at the modern market complex. “Within 120 hours, we have disbursed the aid, breaking the earlier eight-day record for settling claims of flood-affected people,” he said.The fire broke out on Wednesday night, causing major losses to vendors, many of whom deal in ready-made garments and had stocked up for Diwali. On Thursday, the govt set up a help desk to scrutinise claims and expedite relief.Sawant said there was no discrimination in releasing the aid, with compensation determined by the number of shops operational before the fire.He said he had directed the PWD to expedite reconstruction. “A temporary structure will be ready in a month to enable vendors to restart their businesses at the earliest,” he said.The remaining relief will be disbursed about eight days before traders shift to the temporary premises. “The govt will fully support traders till they reestablish their businesses,” Sawant said, adding that an investigation into the fire had been launched.
