Rajnath surveys Garo Hills, assures cooperation
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Shillong, October 01 2014:
Union Home Minister, Rajnath Singh on Wednesday paid a visit to the Garo Hills region of Meghalaya to survey the damage caused by the September 22 floods.
The visit comes a few days after the visit by the Minister of State (Home), Kiren Rijiju and at a time when the State is struggling with the massive damages caused to infrastructure and communications.
The floods have till date taken 55 lives and destroyed more than Rs 2000 crore of property, setting back developmental activities within the State.
"I have told the Chief Minister to submit a memorandum to the Centre, after which an inter-ministerial team will visit to assess the damages.
I have assured to provide maximum assistance to the Meghalaya government," said Singh.
He further asked the state government to utilize the State Disaster Response Funds available to start the redevelopment process.
"The state government has Rs 124 crore.
I have asked the Chief Minister to spend that fund.
The next instalment will be released immediately, we have written to the Finance Ministry, which is ready for sanction," added Singh.
The Home Minister affirmed that both Assam and Meghalaya will get full cooperation from the Centre to undertake a rebuilding exercise denying straight forwardly the accusation levelled by the Gogoi government of the Centre being unhelpful due to party differences.
Chief Minister of Meghalaya Mukul Sangma said, "From the extent of damages, he himself (Home Minister) has understood what kind of support the state government will require in addressing the issues of the affected families" .
He further informed that the Home Minister has asked the state government to prepare a detailed memorandum including all aspects.
"It has been indicated (by Singh) to meet him in New Delhi on October 9 or 10 and submit the memorandum," Sangma added.
"In the meantime, all line departments will be able to come up with a report, which will be submitted to the Government of India.
For now, we will be releasing funds which are available with the State based on the actual requirements," the Chief Minister asserted.