The Centre’s decision to allocate Rs 100 crore as relief for flood-hit Kerala has been criticised by many, including state ministers. On Sunday, Union Minister Rajnath Singh visited the flood-affected areas of Idukki and Ernakulam, and met Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who reportedly demanded a relief package of Rs 1,220 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
However, the Union Minister announced Rs 100 crore as immediate relief to the flood-hit state, since the assessment of losses would take longer. He added that the Centre would release more funds if required.
“The Centre is closely watching the flood situation and providing all possible assistance to Kerala. We will leave no stone unturned to mitigate this unprecedented disaster. I have come to know that it was in 1924 that Kerala faced such a big calamity. I appeal to all political parties to join hands with the state government to mitigate the sufferings of the people,” Rajnath Singh was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. The minister reportedly added that this was in addition to the aid of Rs 160.50 crore announced earlier.
According to the CM, the total loss estimated by the state government is Rs 8,316 crore.
Revenue minister E Chandrasekharan reportedly commented that the amount was inadequate for the needs of Kerala. Saying that the amount would be used for relief work, the minister reportedly sought for a special package for the state.
Finance Minister Thomas Isaac took to Twitter to express his disappointment in the Centre allotting only Rs 100 crore, while the state had asked for an assistance of Rs 1220 crore.
Taking to Twitter he wrote, “Total loss of floods to Kerala around ₹8000 crores. Immediate mitigation and rectification expenditure to the state around ₹3000.And the central grant precious ₹100. And that too if it is from regular disaster management fund due to Kerala , I do not know!"
Total loss of floods to Kerala around ₹8000 crores. Immediate mitigation and rectification expenditure to the state around ₹3000.And the central grant precious ₹100. And that too if it is from regular disaster management fund due to Kerala , I donot know!
— Thomas Isaac (@drthomasisaac) August 13, 2018
Not just the ministers, but several users on social media were critical of the Centre for allotting only Rs 100 crore.
BJP offered ₹100 crore to buy Karnataka MLA's https://t.co/s4dPj5NHF5
— Jessen (@iamjkv) August 13, 2018
For #KeralaFloodRelief, BJP govt offered the same 100 crore as assistance to Kerala which faces d biggest natural calamity in last 5 decades of its history. https://t.co/EKAesRfUa3
BJP really hates kerala.
