VASCO: In a major relief to traders affected by the Vasco Municipal Market fire, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has disbursed ₹1.39 crore in financial assistance to 103 claimants covering all 145 affected shops.
The first instalment was released within five days of the October 29 fire, with individual assistance ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh.
Sawant assured that the next instalment would cover at least 50% of the assessed losses, subject to verification, to help traders rebuild their businesses.
The Chief Minister also announced that temporary market structures would be set up at the same location within a month, allowing traders to resume business.
The second instalment will be released eight days before the temporary market's inauguration to help vendors purchase fresh stock and prepare their shops.
However, the fire-affected market's first floor will not be reconstructed due to structural safety concerns.
The government has assured continued assistance until all affected traders are able to restart their businesses.
