Rs 7,346-cr package for Uttarakhand

The Centre on Monday approved a rehabilitation package of Rs 7,346 crore for reconstruction of shattered infrastructure and other works in the flood-hit hill state of Uttarakhand. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet committee in New Delhi. It was decided during the meeting the first installment of the money for reconstruction would be issued by December 15. Around 2,000 families had expressed desire to construct their houses themselves. In this regard, the government would now give Rs 7 lakh for the construction of a damaged house. Only 102 families want the state government-made prefabricated houses, work for which has already begun.