The State alone cannot handle all the post-calamity problems. It requires country’s assistance to continue restoration works and hence, the Central Government should sanction Rs 500 crore immediately for the purpose,” said BJP senior leader and Rajya Sabha member M Venkaiah Naidu at a Press meet here on Thursday.
Naidu said the issue should not be politicised and liberal assistance should be given by the Central Government immediately. “But unfortunately, neither the Central leaders visited the State nor the Central Government provided any assistance to the State Government for restoration and rehabilitation of cyclone and flood affected people,” he added.
The BJP heavyweight said the crop insurance policy should be amended as it is not enough for the farmers keeping in view the colossal loss due to the twin calamity. Considering the gravity of the destruction which has affected the people of 18 districts, the State should give three months ration including dal, salt, edible oil and kerosene to the affected people, he demanded.
He demanded speedy restoration of electricity in the affected areas and supply of drinking water to the cyclone and flood hit people. “Sad to say that no senior leaders like UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and no peoples’ representatives including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visited the affected areas to console the victims,” lamented Naidu, who visited the cyclone and flood affected areas in Ganjam district earlier in the morning.