MPs for panel to monitor Uttarakhand relief operations

Members of parliament Tuesday called for setting up a committee to monitor the relief and rehabilitation work that would take place in the flood-hit Uttarakhand using their funds.

During a discussion organised by GLOBE (Global Legislators Organisation) here, the members said they want the money given by them to reach the people displaced in the tragedy in June.

The government had circulated a note in June appealing to MPs to donate money from MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) funds.

"We want the funds to be utilized properly and transparently and for that a committee must be set up to monitor the work," said BJP leader Prakash Javadekar, president of GLOBE India.

The members also suggested for adopting some villages and channelling the funds for construction of houses, starting livelihood opportunity among others in affected areas.

"Rather than donating to Prime Minister's Relief Fund or state funds, we want to give money to organisations carrying out rehabilitation work in the area," said P.D. Rai, MP from Sikkim.

The members decided to take up the matter with the presiding officers of both the houses of parliament.