Flood relief: Bhuria denies bias against MP

Badwani, MP, Oct 3 (UNI) Denying that the Centre was being biased against Madhya Pradesh vis-a-vis allocation of aid after natural calamities, Union Minister of State for Agriculture Kantilal Bhuria today said New Delhi was not playing politics and was making an effort to provide replete assistance to every state.

''Special attention is being focussed on the country's tribal-dominated districts. The Centre has directed all banks to disburse agricultural loans at seven per cent interest,'' he told mediapersons at this district's Sendhwa.

Pointing out that Rs 196 crore were earlier doled out to this state for a Disaster Relief Fund, the minister said an additional Rs 100 crore were made available later.

''More funds will be released for rain-affected people following assessment of the areas and the recommendation by survey officials.

Senior scientists are attempting to provide all possible help to Madhya Pradesh's agri science centres so that the loss caused by excessive precipitation during the kharif season is made up by the rabi sason,'' he added.

Mr Bhuria said results of the Vidisha parliamentary constituency and Malehra assembly constituency, by month's end, would prove helpful to the Congress in determining the strategy for fixing the direction of its struggle. A meeting, in Bhopal tomorrow, would choose candidates.

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