Financial assistance given to Chhath devotees at relief centres

Patna, Nov 3 (UNI) The Bihar government has distributed Rs 17.62 lakhs among 7,048 Chhath devotees taking shelter at various relief centres in flood-hit north Bihar for celebration of the festival.

Additional secretary of the state disaster management department Pratyay Amrit told mediapersons here that Rs 250 each was distributed among the Chhath devotees at various relief centres in flood hit Supaul, Madhepura, Saharsa, Araria and Purnia districts.

''The sum was released from the Chief Minister's relief fund and distributed among the devotees on directive of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar,'' he said adding 45,603 flood victims were still taking shelter in relief centres.

UNI KKS ADG NY AS2211