Dasmunsi seeks relief for bird flu-hit farmers in West Bengal

New Delhi, Jan 19 (UNI) Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi today sought compensation from the West Bengal government and the Centre on 50:50 basis for bid flu-hit poultry owners, especially small and marginal farmers.

In a letter to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Mr Dasmunsi, who hails from West Bengal, also called for aggressive measures of culling birds in the affected areas to ensure the protection of public health and to prevent the spread of avian influenza.

He also demanded setting up of a monitoring cell between the Centre and the West Bengal government without further delay.

The cell would monitor the day-to-day progress of the work, the Minister added.

Mr Dasmunsi said the District Collector along with the Desk concerned should monitor and mobilise their strength, including the NGOs to inform and intimate the farmers about the alarming situation which may harm the health of the people.

He urged all the political parties to unite and along with the government agencies make a concerted effort in this drive.

''Wonderful work was done in Maharshtra two years ago in this regard. Why not aggressively follow that pattern in West Bengal also?'' Mr Dasmunsi asked Mr Pawar.

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