The Hindu : New Delhi News : Centre considering Bihar’s demand for Kosi package

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Wednesday, Nov 05, 2008
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Centre considering Bihar’s demand for Kosi package

New Delhi: The Centre is actively considering the demand of Bihar Government for a Rs 8,922 crore special Kosi package to rehabilitate the victims of the worst-ever flood that affected over 30 lakh people in 16 district of the State in August this year.

After Chief Minister Nitish Kumar submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh seeking the special package for rehabilitation and taking steps for solution to the floods, the PMO has sought the views of ministries concerned “urgently”, official sources said.

In the memorandum, Mr. Kumar has said the State Government would set up an authority to implement the flood control measures in Bihar.

Three lakh houses

The Kosi package include Rs 4,500 crore for construction of three lakh houses in rural areas of the State. The government’s contribution for construction of a house would be Rs 1.5 lakh.

There is a demand for Rs 827 crore for agriculture while Rs 1208 crore has been demanded for repair and construction of irrigation facilities.

As roads have been damaged in the floods, the State Government has demanded Rs 1305 crore for repair of National and State Highways and rural roads.

Similarly, the State has demanded Rs 164 crore for repair of school and college buildings which were affected by the floods.

For repair of health facilities, it has demanded Rs 48 crore while for flood security the State Government proposes to spend Rs 155 crore. -- PTI

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