PM asks officers to quickly consider J-K govt plea for package

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today directed the officers concerned of the central government to examine quickly with due sensitivity the memorandum by the Jammu and Kashmir government for a special financial package for the flood victims in the state.
"The Prime Minister has directed the officers concerned of the central government that as soon as the detailed assessment (of the losses) of the state government is completed, they should examine the memorandum quickly with due sensitivity," an official spokesman said after the conclusion of Modi's visit here.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had yesterday expressed the hope the Prime Minister would accept the state government's demand for a Rs 44,000-crore package for relief to the flood-hit people.

The Prime Minister also directed that all necessary steps be taken for providing relief to the affected people and for restoration of normal life.
"He particularly emphasised on the need for providing immediate relief to the people residing in tents and temporary shelters, revival of economic activity in the state and addressing sustainable livelihood issues," the spokesman said.
He said the Prime Minister also gave direction for quick settlement of insurance claims, speedy restoration of public infrastructure, strengthening of state disaster management authority and preperation of contingency plan for effective handling of such a challenge in future.
Modi issued the directions after interacting with a number of delegations from a cross-section of the society, including political parties, trade bodies, NGOs and civil society.

The Prime Minister had decided to celebrate Diwali with the flood-affected people of J-K and it was his second visit to the state after the devastating floods of last month. He had visited the state on September 7 after the natural calamity struck.