Transparency to be maintained in Tsunami funds: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 14 (UNI) The tsunami rehabilitation fund sanctioned by the Centre will be utilised in a transparent manner and priority will be given for developing infrastructure in the education and health sectors, Kerala Revenue Minister K P Rajendran today said.

The government would also give priority to rehabilitate families permanently in the coastal areas, who were now living in the most vulnerable regions, he told a news conference after a meeting of the MLAs from the tsunami affected areas.

He said the government proposed to build about 20,000 houses in three years.

Mr Rajendran said the fund would be utilised only in the coastal areas and added that apart from the present three committees to monitor the activities, the government had decided to form a district-level committee for more transparency in utilising the fund. Already a State Level Steering Committee with the Chief Minister as Chairman, State Level Empowered Committee under the Revenue department secretary and the Project Management Unit are in place for monitoring the tsunami fund activities.

District panchayat presidenta would be the chairmen of the district-level committees and the other members included MLAs of the coastal region, block and panchayat presidents.

State Fisheries Minister S Sarma said his department's first priority was to restore the livelihood to fishermen by supplying them fishing craft and equipment. There were about 30,000 fishing workers in need of fishing craft and equipment, he added.

Mr Sarma said small job oriented projects were also being considered for the people in the coastal region.

Regarding the Maharashtra Government's relief for tsunami, Mr Rajendran said a MoU would be signed with them soon and the concerned Maharashtra Minister would be visiting the state soon.

On the inquiry into diversion of tsunami funds for other purposes by the previous United Democratic Front government, he said the inquiry commission would give a report within three months.

UNI PN1915