Shillong, Sept 9: Minister for Revenue and Disaster Management, Kyrmen Shylla on Monday informed the Assembly that the state government has sought financial assistance of Rs 116.41 crore from the Centre for providing relief to flood victims in the state.
“We have submitted a proposal of Rs 116.41 crore to the Centre on September 8,” Shylla said while replying to a supplementary question raised by opposition member from Mawsynram, Himalaya Muktan Shangpliang, who expressed concern over the delay in releasing the relief funds.
Shylla however said the central team had just visited the state on September 6, to assess damages caused by the recent floods and assured that once the fund is sanctioned, the government will immediately release the relief.
Earlier, the minister informed a total 27,585 households have been affected and 104 houses damaged while 27,539 cattle and 3,505 ha of cultivation were affected in West Garo Hills District during the recent flood.
In South West Garo Hills, he said a total of 6072 households, 161 houses, 7 cattle and 909 ha were affected while only one house was damaged in South Garo Hills.
On the other hand, Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma wanted to know the amount available with the state government under the State Disaster Response Fund (SRDF).
When the minister replied that Rs 46 crore was sanctioned under the SRDF, Sangma said it was a ridiculous reply and asked who had prepare the reply while demanding the matter be reviewed.
According to the leader of opposition, the government of India will not release any fund if the state is having plenty of money for the purpose. “Let it (matter) be reviewed,” Sangma said.
The Minister also assured to review the matter.
