Centre's assistance to Tamil Nadu inadequate: CPI

New Delhi, Nov 24: Terming the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sanction of Rs 940 crore for rain-battered Tamil Nadu as "inadequate", CPI on Nov 23 said it will take up the issue in the upcoming winter session of Parliament.

Expressing concerns over rains and floods causing damage to life and property, CPI national secretary D Raja said the floods have led to "huge devastation and destruction" in the state, necessitating help from Centre.

"Heavy rains and floods have led to huge devastation and destruction in Tamil Nadu, resulting in death of more than 200 people, damaging crops and lakhs of acre, collapse of several buildings, roads, bridges."

"So, Tamil Nadu needs more help from Centre. Assistance announced by the Cente is inadequate. The Modi government should immediately offer funds sought by the state government," Raja said, adding that during Parliament session, the issue will be raised and taken up with the Prime Minister.

Tamil Nadu government pegged losses in the north-east monsoon rains at Rs 8,481 crore as Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa urged Modi to immediately release Rs 2,000 crore to sustain relief work.

169 lives were lost during north-east monsoon since October 1 and there was widespread damage to property, including dwelling units and crops. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, storm water drainage systems, water supply and sewerage systems and electricity supply systems have been 'battered' in many areas.

More than four lakh people have been shifted to relief camps even as relief work was being undertaken on a war-footing, the state government has claimed.

Hours after Jayalalithaa's request, Modi instructed the immediate release of financial assistance of nearly Rs 940 crore to deal with the flood situation in the rain-battered state. The winter session of Parliament begins on Nov 26.

PTI