Minister for Scheduled and Backward classes A.P. Anil Kumar and Minister for Welfare of Scheduled Tribes P.K. Jayalakshmi visited the whirlwind-hit locations of Kodenchery grama panchayat in the district on Friday.
The Ministers, accompanied by District Collector C.A. Latha and senior revenue officials, also reviewed the situation at the two relief camps opened at Chembukadavu following the natural calamity and held discussions with the grama panchayat authorities and people’s representatives there regarding a suitable relief package for the victims.
After visiting the sites, Mr. Anil Kumar said the government would adopt all possible measures for releasing the required financial aid for people who lost their houses and other property in the incident. “Some government-level formalities have to be cleared for the purpose and it will be done on a fast-track basis,” he assured them.
Mr. Anil Kumar said that financial aid for farmers, who lost their crops in the whirlwind, would also be considered. “The amount will be announced after getting a report from the Agriculture department,” he added.
Responding positively to a request of the local people to sanction a Primary Health Centre for Chembukadavu, the Minister said he would take up the matter with the State government for a favourable action. “Also, it would be brought to the attention of the Health Minister,” he promised. Ms. Jayalakshmi also made it clear that the government would offer all possible financial support for the rehabilitation of families affected by the whirlwind. “The next Cabinet meeting will discuss the issue and find a quick solution,” she added.
As an interim relief, the emergency fund sanctioned by the government was distributed among the victims on Friday. All the 37 families, now staying in various relief camps, were granted Rs. 2,000 each in the presence of the Ministers.
District panchayat member V.D. Joseph, Deputy Collector (Disaster management) T.A. Rasheed, Revenue Divisional Officer P.V. Gangadharan and Additional tahsildar K. Subrahmanyan were also present during the visit of the Ministers to Kodenchery.
