Rain-battered state seeks Rs 2,600-cr package

Thiruvananthapuram, August 21 

Kerala on Tuesday sought a Rs 2,600-crore special package from the Centre even as the state struggled to find its feet after the devastating deluge that left 231 dead in a fortnight and forced over 14.5 lakh people out of their homes.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a meeting of the state Cabinet, which decided to seek a special package from the Centre under the centrally-sponsored schemes including the latter’s flagship rural employment programme MNREGS.

Vijayan said a special session of the state Assembly has been convened on August 30 to discuss the situation arising from the calamitous floods.  Vijayan said Kerala would also ask the Centre to hike the limit of loan it can secure from the open market for the massive rebuilding exercise after 13 of the state’s 14 districts were savaged by floods, traumatising people and devastating its infrastructure.

Under the present arrangement, Kerala can obtain three per cent of its gross state domestic product as loans and wants it to be raised to 4.5 per cent so the state can mobilise an additional Rs 10,500 crore from the open market, he said. As the massive humanitarian tragedy unfolded in the picturesque state, relief poured in. Governments of other states, corporate entities and individuals, including small children, have loosened their purse strings.

Road and rail services have resumed in most parts of the state, but clearing of debris is a daunting task. Vijayan said a massive action plan is being put in place for that. — PTI 

Plea in apex Court on rehab scheme 

New Delhi: A plea was filed in the Supreme Court seeking the judicial supervision and proper implementation of a rehabilitation scheme for Kerala flood victims. The plea filed by Kerala-based lawyer Siji Antony sought to know the steps taken by the Centre, including any help requested from the UN and agencies such as WHO, to handle the emergency situation. PTI

No rain, water recedes

There was no rain and the level of floodwater in several areas that got submerged had receded, officials and residents said.

You (PM) have sanctioned Rs 500 crore Central assistance, but it is grossly inadequate. I would request you to increase it to Rs 2,000 crore. — Sitaram Yechury, CPM leader

14.5 lakh in shelter homes

3,200 relief camps

1.63 lakh rescued in 5 days

231 toll since Aug 8