Raghuveera Reddy condemned the opposition for targeting Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy for not visiting the cyclone affected areas immediately after the devastation.
Revenue Minister N Raghuveera Reddy on Monday dismissed the allegations by opposition parties of Congress not taking adequate measures for the relief and rehabilitation of farmers affected by cyclone Nilam.
Replying to a debate on the devastation caused due to cyclone Nilam in the State Legislative Council here, Raghuveer Reddy assured that prompt action had been taken with regard to relief and rehabilitation of the affected farmers. He said the government had ensured the supply of essential commodities and medicines through 400 relief camps and 1984 medical camps that were set up in the affected areas. He announced that about 19,800 metric tonnes of rice, and 19,000 litres of milk have been distributed among the victims.
Further, Raghuveera Reddy said that the government paid a compensation of Rs. 35,000 for fully damaged houses, Rs. 15,000 for the partially damaged ones, and Rs. 1,250 for huts.
The Minister said that multi-purpose shutters will be constructed in the cyclone-prone areas at an expenditure of Rs. 771 crores. The shutters, to be used throughout the year, will be ready by 2014. Further, the advanced cyclone warning system, being established at a cost of Rs. 400 crores granted by the Centre, would be in place during the next two years.
Raghuveera Reddy said that, compared to Telugu Desam Party, the Congress government was more liberal in spending funds for the farmers' welfare. While the TDP, during its nine-year rule, has spent Rs. 598 crores, the Congress government has so far spent Rs. 3,971 crores. He also said that the government has also deposited Rs. 18,000 crore directly in farmers' accounts towards input subsidy.
The Minister said that the government has also authorised the Collectors of affected districts to sanction minor irrigation works of upto Rs. 5 lakh on nomination basis. Similarly, for works of upto Rs. 10 lakh, they have been asked to call short-tenders.
Raghuveera Reddy condemned the opposition for targeting Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy for not visiting the cyclone affected areas immediately after the devastation. He said since the Chief Minister's visit could have disrupted the relief and rehabilitation works, he did not make a personal visit. However, he monitored the situation on an hourly basis and ensured proper relief measures.
Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Council D Veerabhadra Rao alleged that the minister was trying to mislead the House and people using statistics. He said that compared to the period between 1994-2004 and the present days, spending by the TDP Government was justified. He also alleged that instead of taking up relief works, the Chief Minister and other concerned ministers were busy in politics by visiting Delhi.
MLCs Seetharama Rao, Mohan Reddy, Shiva Kumar, Chandrasekhara Rao, Rajkumari and others participated in the debate. (INN)