TN CM reiterates demand for Rs 19,655 cr drought aid

With the state in the grip of drought, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa today renewed her demand for Rs 19,665 crore financial assistance from the Centre to implement relief measures in the state.
She reiterated the demand when the Central study team led by Union Agriculture Ministry official Pravesh Sharma called on her for discussions on the prevailing conditions in Tamil Nadu.
Jayalalithaa informed the team of the gravity of the drought prevailing in the state during the last two years and briefed it about the relief measures initiated to mitigate sufferings of the affected people.
The state has declared 31 districts except Chennai as drought-hit.

Jayalalithaa requested Sharma to take up the draft memorandum which seeks Rs 19,665 crore assistance from the Centre, an official release said.
Sharma assured Jayalalithaa that the team would consider the request made by her and recommend it in the report to be submitted to the Centre after the visit, it said.
A 10-member team arrived in Tamil Nadu early this week to get a first hand account of the conditions of drought hit areas.
State Finance Minister O Pannerselvam, Chief Secretary Sheela Balakrishnan and a host of other ministers and government officials were present during the meeting, the release added.