Speed up rehab of tsunami victims: PM

New Delhi, June 16 (UNI) Expressing concern over the slow progress in the rehabilitation of tsunami victims, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today asked Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar to monitor on a quarterly basis all inter-Ministerial issues relating to infrastructure, human development and disaster management in the Islands.

Chairing the 11th Meeting of the Island Development Authority here, Dr Singh said the balanced development of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands would be a focus area for the 11th Five Year Plan.

Conveying his unhappiness over inadequate housing construction for the tsunami-affected households, he directed the Cabinet Secretary to pay urgent attention and ensure that there was no further delay in tsunami rehabilitation, an official release said. The meeting took note of several issues of concern to the islands that were articulated by Mr Manoranjan Bhakta and Dr P P Koya, MPs.

He assured them that the Island Development Authority will meet on a regular basis to review infrastructure development in Lakshadweep Islands and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Prime Minister requested Shipping Minister T R Baalu to visit Port Blair and ensure early delivery of the required maritime infrastructure, including ships.

He assured the people of the Islands that the Central government will focus on their developmental needs, taking into account their aspirations, ecological and environmental sustainability and protection as well as national security.

UNI