The Hindu : National : Response from P. Chidambaram

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Apr 01, 2005

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National

Response from P. Chidambaram

B.S. Chauhan, Director (PR), Press Information Bureau, Government of India, writes:

"The Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, regrets the fact that you have made another unfair reference to tsunami relief in Tamil Nadu in your editorial in your issue today [March 31, 2005].

"Tsunami relief is a matter handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). After the Cabinet decision, MHA issued its first order on 31-1-2005. On representations received from some State Governments including Tamil Nadu, the Cabinet revised its decision. Following the revised decision, MHA issued revised orders on 24-2-2005. These two orders set out the terms and conditions of the relief that will be provided to tsunami- affected fishermen.

"The question that was raised by Shri Chidambaram is, how far have the revised orders of MHA been implemented in Tamil Nadu? How many fishermen have received the subsidy or the subsidy-cum-loan, as the case may be, in accordance with the revised instructions?

" It is unfortunate that without inquiring into and reporting these facts, you have concluded that the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is `absolutely right in protesting against the Union Finance Minister's unhelpful attitude.' The Finance Minister wishes to state that he would be very happy if the Government of Tamil Nadu implemented the revised order dated 24-2-2005 of MHA."

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