Andhra CM seeks release of central aid for cyclone relief

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy Thursday urged the central government to release Rs.2,145 crore assistance for cyclone relief as assured by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The assistance for relief and rehabilitation in areas affected by cyclone Phailin and heavy rains last month was assured by the prime minister when the chief minister met him in New Delhi on Nov 9.

Of the Rs 2,145 crores assistance, Rs.1,000 crore is temporary assistance and the remaining Rs.1,145 crore pertains to arrears (towards central aid for natural calamities since 2009), said a statement from the chief minister's office.

The chief minister made the request for release of the funds when a central team, which visited areas affected by the cyclone and the heavy rains, called on him here.

Kiran Reddy requested the government to enhance the input subsidy from Rs.6,000 to Rs.10,000 per hectare as the state government is already distributing Rs.10,000 to the farmers.

The chief minister also sought necessary changes in the crop insurance for maximum benefit to the farmers.

The central team led by Shambhu Singh, joint secretary in the union home ministry, visited seven districts affected by cyclone and heavy rains to assess the damages.

Kiran Reddy said that the state government distributed Rs.5,000 crores to the farmers, but only 25 percent of assistance is being received from the central government.

During the meeting with the prime minister, the chief minister had sought an assistance of Rs.6,510 crore.

The central government will announce the assistance after receiving the report of the central team.