Rs 12 crore US aid to India for disaster relief

Patna, Jun 25 (UNI) The U S Department of Agriculture(USDA) has decided to provide Rs 12 crore (3 million dollars) to Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Uttar Pradesh for disaster relief efforts in India.

The devastating floods of 2007 had affected these states.

This is a part of the total grant of 13 million dollar for India given by USDA to CARE, a humanitarian organization for emergency relief and rehabilitation.

While announcing the details of the grant , USDA, Science, Attache Gerald Smith told news persons here today that by working with the state governments and community leaders, '' we are confident that this programme will improve disaster preparedness in these flood affected states.'' The USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science and efficient management.

Assistant Public Affairs Officer of the U S Consulate General in Kolkata Moulik D. Berkana said, '' This grant, given by the U S Department of Agriculture, is a concrete example of the ongoing support and engagement in India.

He said besides Uttar Pradesh, the grant covers Orissa, Bihar and West Bengal.

Mr Berkana said, ''In Bihar, within the past year, the U S Consulate has opened an American Corner in Patna. He said the Consulate have conducted high-level programmes on several topics of interest regarding our growing bilateral relationship.'' He said the US had an active and engaging bilateral relationship with India which he hoped would be further strengthened in the coming months and years.

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