Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Sep 19: While the state government is expected to handle situation arising out of devastation let loose by unprecedented floods in the state, it has not been able to make the central government to sanction liberal grants for the purpose so far, even though aerial survey had been undertaken by union ministers. Under criticism for its inability to effectively handle the situation, the cabinet on Wednesday September 18, decided to release Rs 1,000 crore to begin construction of houses in place of collapsed once and for helping people to repair their houses.
State law minister, J M Madhuswamy, said that the government has already promised five lac rupees for building new houses and towards this end, Rs 1,000 crore is being released to deputy commissioners of the districts. He said that as per an estimate, 30,000 to 40,000 houses may be needed to be built. He said that in case of partial damage to houses, the government will provide Rs 25,000 each to repair the houses.
Another Rs 1,500 crore is being released through the public works department (PWD) for repairing roads in areas devastated by floods. Madhuswamy explained that the chief minister had stayed these works as they were sanctioned in a haphazard manner. "As a number of MLAs asked us to pave way for the works to move ahed wherever proper procedures have been followed, permission is being given for those works that are found to be in order, he stated. Madhuswamy also narrated that a report on the requirement for immediate restoration of minor irrigation structures damaged on account of floods has been sought.
When his response was sought to the lethargy exhibited by the union government in coming to state's aid, Madhuswamy said that irrespective of the delay or otherwise in receiving central grants, the state will put to use its resources to tackle the situation.
The cabinet also decided that winter session of the legislature would be held from October 14 to 26. The session this time will be held here, and not Belagavi, which is reeling under floods. Madhuswamy said that in al likelihood, the government will go ahead with the passage of budget of the previous government instead of going for a fresh one