Tsunami Relief Fund not reaching the needy: Bhopinder Singh

Port Blair, May 05 (UNI) Thousands of Tsunami victims are still living a hapless life with no signs of relief in sight.

Lt Governor of Andaman and Bicobar Islands Bhopinder Singh yesterday said that the Tsunami Relief Fund, meant for the thousands of people who were left homeless due to the tsunami in December 2004, has not successfully reached them.

Addressing a huge gathering during the passing out ceremony of 29 (PSIs) Sub-Inspectors at Port Blair, the Lt Governor alleged that some businessmen of these islands have become "very rich through the Tsunami Relief Fund".

''I understand that some people have made money from this Tsunami Fund,'' he said.

Raising the issue of increasing criminal activities in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Lt Governor pointed out that criminals often get "protection from those who involved in smuggling, illicit liquor trade or tsunami fund mismanagement".

The speech had confirmed "allegations by the media that there were huge mismanagement of Tsunami Relief Fund in the Andaman islansd".

The Cetrnal Government is constructing a total of 9,797 Tsunami Permanent houses in different part of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which suffered the brunt of the Tsunami.

Media houses and NGOs across the globe are raising their voice against the slow pace of work and "mismanagement" of Tsunami funds.

UNI SKR LL DB1712