Inquire about alleged corruptions: Fishermen organisation

Puducherry, Jan 5 (UNI) The Joint Action Committee of Puducherry State Fishermen Organisation has urged the parliamentary sub-committee on tsunami rehabilitation to inquire into the alleged corruption in the Central funds towards the purpose in the Union Territory.

In a memorandum submitted to the committee Chairman V Narayanasamy, MP, at Pudukuppam village near here last evening, they also demanded that steps should be taken for the construction of houses, modernisation of fishing operations and provision of basic amenities to the fishermen villages.

Convenor of the committee M Illango pointed out that about 601 people were killed, 35 still missing, 40 children orphaned and 12,000 houses were damaged in the tsunami. Though the Puducherry administration had provided immediate relief measures, the entire benefit of relief had not reached the affected because of corrupt politicians, he alleged.

He said that the rehabilitation measures were proceeding in a very low and tardy pace although the Centre and other world organisations had liberally contributed to the Government of Puducherry.

Some NGOs had constructed houses, which were of low quality, he said, adding that the Puducherry administration had not acquired land in many villages for construction of houses, even after getting Rs 1,200 crore as tsunami relief. The funds meant for tsunami rehabilitation were diverted for different purposes and misutilised, he charged.

Mr Illango alleged that apart from the funds provided by the Centre several crore of rupees which was contributed to the Chief Minister's relief fund by various individuals and institutions across the country was not properly accounted.

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