VS meets PM, seeks Vidarbha-like package for Kerala

New Delhi, July 8 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh demanding a Vidarbha-like central aid for Kerala to tide over the agrarian crisis as well as linking of the state with the Golden Quadrilateral.

A high-level ministerial delegation led by Mr Achuthanandan met Dr Singh at his 7 Race Course residence following up a series of meetings yesterday with Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Finance Minister P Chidambaram and Planning Commission Deputy Chairman Montek Singh Ahluwalia and others.

Among other demands raised during the meeting with the Prime Minister were central clearance for Vizhinjam Deepwater International Container Terminal, Kannur airport, Kochi Metro, more trains, doubling and electrification of railway and setting up of an IIT in the state.

Mr Achuthanandan invited Dr Singh to visit the state to get a first-hand knowledge of the severe agrarian crisis that has claimed more than 1,500 farmers who have killed themselves unable to bear crop loss and mounting debts.

''The Prime Minister assured us that he would seriously consider our demands,'' Mr Achuthanandan told a news conference after the meeting.

Another demand was revision of the state's ceiling on borrowing to Rs 7,246 crore for 2006-7 as against the Rs 4,672 crore fixed by the Finance Ministry on the Annual Plan of Rs 6,210 crore for the state.

The delegation demanded Rs 2,000 crore for long-term.

rehabilitation of farmers and reconstruction of the agriculture sector under a five-year project.

Yesterday, the Union Home Minister had assured the Chief Minister that a central team would be sent to the state to assess the damage caused in the rains during May-July.

According to Revenue Minister K P Rajendran, the six-member team led by a Joint Secretary would visit Kerala for four days from July 11.

''The team will hold discussions with the Chief Minister and visit the affected areas,'' Mr Rajendran said. The government will hand over CDs and videography of the damage to the team, he added.

The state has sought Rs 500 crore from the Centre to cover losses, including Rs 149 crore for losses between May 26 and June 9 when torrential rains wreaked havoc in the state.

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