In its quest to reconstruct God’s own country, Centre assures additional assistance to flood ravaged Kerala
New Delhi, August 27: Assuring additional assistance to the flood-ravaged Kerala, the Central government confirmed that the Centre will release additional funds for the state after an inter-ministerial team visits the state again and assesses the damage. Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured Kerala Governor P Sathasivam that the flood-ravaged state will get more central funds from National Disaster Response Fund.
The Centre clarified that Rs 600 crore released by Centre is the advance assistance only. Additional funds would be released from NDRF on assessment of the damages as per laid down procedure. PM Modi told the Kerala Governor that this amount is in addition to the 562.45 crore rupees already made available in the State Disaster Response Fund of the state. Prime Minister highlighted the fact when Governor Sathasivam met him in New Delhi that normal rules and procedures have been set aside in view of the emergency nature of requirement in Kerala.
Amid the row claiming the Centre refusing to accept funds from the foreign government, the Centre clarified its stance of shelling more supporting the state of Kerala completely. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) had offered USD 100 million (around Rs 700 crore) and the government declared that it will not take any financial assistance from foreign governments in sync with an existing policy.
The central government on Tuesday had released Rs 600 crore to flood-hit Kerala as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Rs 500 crore) and Home Minister Rajnath Singh (Rs 100 crore) during their visits to the state. The home ministry said during the floods in Kerala, the Centre has provided urgent aid and relief material in a timely manner and without any reservation.
The situation has been regularly monitored by PM Modi on daily basis and he visited the state on August 17-18, 2018. On the instructions of PM Modi, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary, regularly monitored and coordinated rescue and relief operations by holding daily meetings from Aug 16-21, 2018.
Commending the work of the armed forces in rescue and relief operations, PM Modi said, they have left no stone unturned to save people in the floods. He further said, Air Force, Navy, Army, BSF, CISF, RAF and every agency played an exemplary role in the operations. He also mentioned the NDRF daredevils and said their service stands out as a shining example.
Kerala Governor also met and apprised Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the law and order situation and the pace of the relief measures in Kerala. Rajnath Singh also assured the release of additional funds on completion of the assessment of damages as per set procedure.