Provision of tsunami relief causing fray in Pondy Assembly

Pondicherry, Aug 3 (UNI) AIADMK legislature party leader A Anbazhagan today locked horns with Chief Minister N Rangasamy in the territorial assembly over the issue of provision of tsunami relief to women fish vendors here.

Replying to a question from the leader of opposition A M H Nazeem, the Chief Minster said, immediately after the tragic tsunami struck the southern coast, the administration provided relief of Rs 46 croreS for Pondicherry and 33.5 crore for Karaikal. The amount was distributed to the family of victims for various purposes including the funeral expenses and medical expenses for those injured, he added.

Mr Nazeem mentioned that the government failed to provide compensation to mechanised boats which were lost or damaged.

He said in Pondicherry, the concerned legislators fought with the Government and obtained compensation while it was not given in Karaikal.

The Chief Minister announced that if the twin engine boats were registered in Karaikal, then adequate compensation would be provided to the owners also.

Mr Anbazhagan then raised the issue of compensation to women fish vendors. A clarification to Anbazhagan on the number of beneficiaries by Rabgasamy caused a stir in the House.

With the DMK members joining the issue, a near pandemonium prevailed in the House and the Chief Minister categorically announced that the Government would meet the women fish vendors and provide relief to them.

UNI PAB PB DS1340