HUBLI: The prospects of the State getting tsunami-type assistance for those affected by floods appear bleak if the observations of M.P. Prakash, Deputy Chief Minister, are taken into consideration.

The Centre is yet to accept a proposal in this regard despite recommendations by a committee headed by Sharad Pawar, Union Minister for Agriculture.

Addressing presspersons here on Sunday, Mr. Prakash said no State has been able to get tsunami-type assistance for flood relief work.

The Centre has not accepted the stand of the State Government in this regard. The State will continue to press for the same. If necessary, a delegation will be sent to New Delhi again. Chief Minister N. Dharam Singh has taken up the matter with the Prime Minister, he said.

Finance Minister P.G.R. Sindhia has met the authorities concerned in this connection, Mr. Prakash said.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that it was the State Government, which suggested tsunami-type assistance and the memorandum submitted to the Centre seeking Rs. 3,600 crores was based on this premise.

The State Government would have to plan a relief package on its own if Central aid is not forthcoming, he said.

He said that the Centre is likely to sanction Rs. 316 crores and 70,000 tonnes of foodgrains for relief work. A formal communication is yet to be received, he added.

Mr. Prakash said that the Government proposes to use Rs. 150 crores available under a scheme of NABARD for repair works in the flood-affected areas.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail