Kochi and Ernakulum regions, which have been under the waters for almost two weeks. (Photo | EPS) 
Kerala

National Housing Bank to provide concessional refinance for house construction, repair in Kerala

The tax department too has extended the last date to file income tax return by 15 days to September 15 for all assessees in Kerala.

From our online archive

NEW DELHI: The National Housing Bank (NHB) will provide Rs 200 crore of refinance at concessional rate for construction and repair of houses damaged due to the devastating floods in Kerala, a top official said today.

The tax department too has extended the last date to file income tax return by 15 days to September 15 for all assessees in Kerala.

In a series of tweets, Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said Rs 200 crore will be provided from the refinance scheme of NHB under Affordable Housing Fund to facilitate housing loan at a concessional interest rate.

Giving details, Kumar further said there would be provision for need-based moratorium up to one year and rescheduling instalments accordingly.

As part of the relief measures, need-based top-up loans for houses repair would be provided.

In another tweet, he said that to stabilise the worst-hit agriculture and MSME sectors, measures including moratorium, fresh loans, no penal interest on current dues are being taken.

Also, banking services have been restored "through temporary bank branches" and mobile ATMs have been deployed, he said, adding that there is sufficient availability of lower denomination notes for urgent needs.

Kumar also informed that charges have been waived for issuance of duplicate passbook, cheque book and fresh debit cards.

There will also be no financial charges on ATM transcations. The rains and floods have led to loss of lives and property.

Besides, Centre and state governments, host of corporates as well as general public are contributing towards flood relief operations.

Trump threatens to 'blow hell out of' Iran if negotiations fail, calls for more 'surgical strikes' in Lebanon

23 parties set to attend INDIA bloc's 'janbandhan' meeting as Congress says alliance remains united

Three parked Air India aircraft hit by ground equipment due to sudden storm at Delhi airport

JMM, Congress resolve tensions; to contest one seat each in upcoming Rajya Sabha elections

'If he can stop war, can't he stop paper leak?': CJP's Dipke says PM Modi must ensure Pradhan resigns

SCROLL FOR NEXT