Relief package for Kerala inadequate: Achuthanandan

Kochi, Aug 19 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today described as ''inadequate'' the relief package announced by the Centre for the distressed farmers of the state.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Achuthanandan said the cabinet would discuss the matter and decide on the next course of action.

The union cabinet committee on economic affairs had yesterday announced a Rs 698 crore three-year package covering 31 ''suicide prone'' districts in the country, including three in Kerala.

The Kerala Government had last month sought a Rs 2,000 crores package for farmers in four districts of the state along the lines of the Vidharbha package announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The state wanted the Centre to include Idukki along with the 31 districts identified for the relief package.

However, only three districts of the state -- Wayanad, Palakkad and Kasaragod -- were included in the package announced yesterday.

UNI ARC AJ BDP RN1948