NEW DELHI: A delegation of BJP leaders met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday to demand financial help and logistical support for rebuilding cyclone-hit Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Accusing the Centre of “neglecting” the States, particularly Andhra Pradesh, the delegation said both States are reeling under heavy losses brought on by the recent cyclones Phailin and Helen.
“Andhra Pradesh has suffered losses to the tune of Rs. 45000 crore in the past 10 years on account of calamities and despite asking for financial help of Rs.44900 crore, the Centre has so far released only Rs.2540.27 crore, a mere five per cent of what was sought,” said senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu, who led the delegation.
“Despite having 33 MPs and 13 Union Ministers from Andhra Pradesh, the UPA I and II governments, which have been in power for the past nine-and-a-half years have totally neglected the State,” Mr. Naidu said.
The delegation apprised Dr. Singh that the relief amount of Rs.1000 crore that was announced for each of these States has also not been released.
“We have asked for families of the deceased persons to be given an ex-gratia of Rs.500000 lakh each and all the houses that were damaged should be reconstructed by the government through the central government schemes. The discoloured paddy needs to be purchased by the Food Corporation of India and the discoloured cotton needs to be procured by the Cotton Corporation of India. The seeds and fertilisers for rabi crop should be made available to farmers at a highly subsidised rate because they have lost everything. Also, crop loans should be waived off in the rain-affected areas,” Mr. Naidu said.
The delegation that included Dharmendra Pradhan, MP; Hansraj Ahir, MP; Jual Oram, former union minister; Manmohan Samal, former revenue minister of Orissa and G. Kishan Reddy, MLA, has also sought input subsidy of Rs.15000 per acre for cotton, Rs.25000 per acre for horticulture crops and Rs.10000 per acre for paddy and other crops be sanctioned.
