Centre extends flood assistance to MP

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) The Centre today released 800,000 litres of kerosene to Madhya Pradesh to provide relief to flood affected people.

The orders were issued immediately after a delegation from the state met Home Minister Shivraj Patil and sought substantial assistance to overcome the impact of flood in 22 districts during July-August.

Home Ministry sources said the Food and Civil Supplies Ministry would soon release 5000 tonnes of rice to the state.

The delegation of MPs and MLAs sought 8000 tonnes of foodgrains.

The delegations member of the included BJP leaders Sushma Swaraj and Satyanarayan Jatiya and Union Minister Suresh Pachouri.

The delegation sought substantial assistance under the National Calamity Contingency Fund.

Mr Patil said the inter-ministerial team headed by Joint Secretary Dinesh Singh had already toured the affected areas during August 31-September 2 and submitted its report. The High-powered committee would soon take a decision on the recommendations of the inter-ministerial team.

The Centre had released a total of 196 crore to Madhya Pradesh in two equal instalments as central share of CRF. The second instalment was due in December this year, but it was released in advance in August.

UNI SH SI RAI1823