TDP seeks immediate assistance of Rs 1000 crore

Hyderabad, Aug 11 (UNI) The Telugu Desam Party(TDP) today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to declare the flood situation in Andhra Pradesh as a 'national calamity' and increase the first instalment of Central assistance for relief to Rs 1000 crore.

Submitting a memorandum to the Prime Minister, a delegation of TDP leaders led by Party General Secretary K Srihari wanted the Centre to provide Rs 1500 crore for strengthening embankments of major rivers, including Godavari and Krishna.

The TDP wanted the Union Government to step up ex gratia to the families of the deceased to Rs three lakhs each.

''In view of heavy damage to standing crops including sugarcane and paddy, 100 per cent seed subidy should be provided to Scheduled Tribe farmers and at 90 per cent subsidy to other farmers,'' Mr Srihari told newspersons after calling on Dr Singh.

Three persons who had lost their lives while rescuing those caught in the floods, should be given 'Bravery Awards' apart from giving an ex gratia of Rs five lakh to each family and employment to one family member, he demanded.

Pointing out to the Prime Minister that weavers in the state were badly affected by floods, he said those who lost looms should be sanctioned Rs 5,000 and another Rs 40,000 under special housing scheme.

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