Centre not cooperating in flood fighting measures : Nitish

Patna, Jun 16 (UNI) Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today alleged that despite several requests by the State Government, the Centre had not provided financial assistance to the state for relief to victims of one of the worst floods that hit north Bihar last year.

Mr Kumar told reporters here after the 'Janta Durbar' that the Centre had not released the fund to the State Government against the expenses incurred in distribution of relief among the flood victims last year.

'' I have written a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh urging him to release the fund to Bihar for relief among victims and reconstruction of roads and buildings damaged in flood last year, '' he said adding he would also personally meet him in New Delhi for seeking fund for the same.

'' Several Ministers in the Union Cabinet are from Bihar and they are charging the State Government with not utilising the Central fund, '' Mr Kumar pointed out and said all these developments were being closely monitored by the people and they would give a befitting reply to them in the coming Lok Sabha election.

The State Government had made all preparation for flood protection and said despite limited resources and non co-operation from the Centre, no leniency would be allowed on this front, he assured.

Referring to the recent decision of the Centre for Rs 29.01 crore relief packagae to 1989 Bhagalpur riot victims, he said it was right but a delayed decision and added that the relief package for riot victims should have been provided much earlier.

UNI KKS SJC DB1703