Monsoon: Mani seeks special aid from Centre

Finance Minister K M Mani has put up a strong plea with the Centre to release substantial financial assistance to the state in view of large-scale damage to crops owing to heavy rains and mounting levels of unemployment amid unfriendly and adverse weather conditions.

Kerala’s unique case was presented by the Minister in his talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a one-on-one meet on Monday, ahead of the meeting of state Finance Ministers in New Delhi. Mani said that the state was facing an unparalleled situation owing to heavy rains and resultant floods and other calamities in many areas, capped with heavy losses in the agricultural front. “The Centre should take a lenient stand towards the state’s plea,” he said. Manmohan Singh assured all help and adequate financial assistance once the Central team, which is visiting the state now to assess the extent of damage, completes its job and files a report. Mani said that the Prime Minister also discussed the political situation prevailing in the state. The Minister told Manmohan Singh that UDF constituents should be taken into confidence on critical issues. He stressed the need for evolving a consensus in the ruling front and said that strengthening of governance in the process was imperative in the current situation.

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