'Funds won't be a constraint for flood-hit states'

New Delhi, Oct 6: The government on Tuesday, Oct 6 assured flood-hit Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh that funds will not be restricted for relief and rehabilitation.

Home Minister P Chidamabaram said that the state governments may utilise the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) immediately and once 75 percent of CRF is exhausted, the states may draw on the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).

"Advances from NCCF will be provided. As soon as the state government concerned is ready to receive the Central team, a team will be sent to the state to assess the damage according to well established norm," Chidambaram said in a statement.

"I wish to assure the state governments that availability of funds will not be a constraint and that they should focus on providing relief to the affected people," he said.

Chidambaram said further measures would be considered on the return of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee from his trip abroad on Oct 7.

"We have advised these interim measures in order that rescue and relief operations should continue without hindrance," he said.

Chidambaram said the Government has rushed aid and help to the affected States in the form of troops, rescue and relief forces, diving and swimming teams, boats and helicopters.

OneIndia News