Kodiyeri slams Centre for excluding Kerala from flood relief fund

  • | Saturday | 11th January, 2020

In his Facebook post, Kodiyeri alleged that the Union Government has given only Rs 2,904 crore when the state sought Rs 5,616 crore. The Centre has also rejected the state’s relief request as part of a special package. The Centre had earlier refused to accept the UAE government financial aid to the state and prevented the state ministers’ foreign trip for collecting relief fund. Union minister of state V Muraleedharan should comment on this, Kodiyeri said. The Centre had earlierreleased an interim financial aid of Rs 3,200 crore to four states, which again did not include Kerala.

By Express News Service THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPM state secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has criticised the Centre for its reluctance to give calamity relief of Rs 5,908 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund even after the state faced acute crisis in all sectors due to 2018 floods. In his Facebook post, Kodiyeri alleged that the Union Government has given only Rs 2,904 crore when the state sought Rs 5,616 crore. The Centre has also rejected the state’s relief request as part of a special package. The Centre had earlier refused to accept the UAE government financial aid to the state and prevented the state ministers’ foreign trip for collecting relief fund. In 2019, the state faced a similar situation as landslips hit Malabar region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be held responsible for rejecting the state’s demand based on the decision taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Another blow from the Centre is the Rs 205 crore bill for distributing 89,000 tonnes of foodgrain to relief camps from the Food Corporation of India. During the time of distribution, the Centre had promised that the grains will be free of cost. So the Centre is taking revenge on the state and its BJP leaders. Union minister of state V Muraleedharan should comment on this, Kodiyeri said. Last Monday, a high-level committee chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah had chosen seven states, including four BJP-ruled ones- Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tripura and Assam- for disbursal of flood relief. But Kerala has not received any response even after repeated requests. The Centre had earlier released an interim financial aid of Rs 3,200 crore to four states, which again did not include Kerala.

If You Like This Story, Support NYOOOZ

NYOOOZ SUPPORTER

NYOOOZ FRIEND

Your support to NYOOOZ will help us to continue create and publish news for and from smaller cities, which also need equal voice as much as citizens living in bigger cities have through mainstream media organizations.


Stay updated with all the Latest Thiruvananthapuram headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.

Related Articles