KPCC chief urges rehab package for Gulf returnees in union budget

Kochi, Feb 2 (UNI) Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee President Ramesh Chennithala today urged Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram to include a rehabilitation package for Gulf returnees in the 2008-09 union budget.

Addressing the 'Janasree Micro Credit Summit-2008' here, Mr Chennithala said certain welfare measures were also needed for non-resident Indians staying in the Gulf countries.

He hoped that the Finance Minister will address both these issues of concern to Kerala in the union budget.

Mr Chennithala urged Mr Chidambaram to get Cabinet approval for a Rs 200 crore revival package for the ailing Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) at the earliest.

He urged the Finance Minister to consider favourably a memorandum submitted by Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Oommen Chandy regarding the Kerala Metals and Minerals Ltd, a state public sector undertaking.

Stating that the company was facing certain problems due to lowering of duties, he urged Mr Chidambaram to examine the issue.

Mr Chidambaram, who was also present at the function, assured that he will keep these concerns in mind while preparing the budget.

UNI ARC GD AK HS1554