The Hindu : Front Page : ‘Contribute to relief fund’

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Monday, Jul 30, 2007
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‘Contribute to relief fund’

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has called upon all to contribute liberally to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund in view of the continuing fever epidemic and floods in the State.

The Chief Minister noted in an official release that 206 persons had died in monsoon-related calamities and 202 in the fever epidemic. The estimated losses on account of damage to crops in the heavy rain, floods and landslips exceeded Rs.300 crore. Many roads and bridges were damaged and their repair would require about Rs.350 crore.

Besides, 50,000 houses were destroyed or partially damaged. Nearly one-lakh people were in relief camps, the release said.

An all-party delegation had called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and sought assistance.

Though the State sought an urgent aid of Rs.250 crore, nothing was provided so far, Mr. Achuthanandan noted.

He said the State Government, voluntary agencies and local self-government Institutions (LSGIs) were doing their best to contain the fever epidemic.

Recalling that the Ministers had decided to contribute a month’s salary to the relief fund, the Chief Minister said MLAs and other people’s representatives were expected to follow suit.

Contributions may be sent as cheque or demand draft drawn in favour of the Principal Secretary (Finance), who is the treasurer of the fund, or remitted directly to treasury account No.TPA 80.

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