State govts can get immediate relief: Cabinet Secy

Gwalior, Apr 28 (UNI) Union Cabinet Secretary B K Chaturvedi today said the state governments affected by natural calamities could get immediate relief from the Centre.

Mr Chaturvedi told reporters here that a central team visits the affected area after the state government concerned seeks help from the Centre and submits its recommendations to a ministerial committee.

''Immediate relief is provided to natural disaster-affected states in special circumstances as was provided to Jammu and Kashmir after the earthquake and Tamil Nadu and Andman and Nicobar Island after the tsunami disaster,'' he said.

Commenting upon the effect of the Right to Information Act, Mr Chaturvedi said the Act will be reviewed after observing its effects for some time.

Several departments, including the defence department, had provided their suggestions to the Centre regarding the Act.

The Union Cabinet Secretary agreed that the misuse of Act could not be denied, as it was new and people wanted to obtain more information because of curiosity.

Besides, officials tried to avoid the increase in workload arising due to information sought by people.

He parried questions over reservation in Central government-funded higher education institutions in view of election process being underway.

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