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Title: Need to release already declared financial assistance to drought affected area of Kerala and bring forward a legislation to fix responsibility of public servants.
(MUVATTUPUZHA): Sir, this year there was a drought to the extent of downfall of rainfall by 40 per cent in Kerala.
Sir, all those States which could show that there was a shortfall of rain up to 25 per cent were declared drought affected and they got the benefit of Rs. 10,000 crore which has been declared by the Central Government.
Now, I cannot blame the Central Government also here because it is understood that a memorandum was not given by the concerned State Government. The Revenue Minister of Kerala in a Press Conference said that that type of memorandum could not be given at that time, district-wise and sector-wise. It will be given at a later stage.
Now, the problem is that the train has already gone and it may be totally difficult to get into the train. So, what is the situation of the people of Kerala? Now, thousands and thousands of people have been affected by this problem. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Shri P.C. Thomas, you can make your request to the Government.
… (Interruptions)
: So, I am submitting that there should be a change of the system also. In case a proper memorandum does not come from the concerned authority, then the people in one part of our country should not suffer. Therefore, there must be a system whereby the Government of India also, in such cases, can interfere and do the needful to help the people.
Sir, I would request the Government of India, through you, that steps must be taken to give those areas also Central financial assistance by way of drought relief or by way of other natural calamities’ relief, even if the concerned authority fails. I would also suggest that there should be a legislation in Parliament to fix the responsibility of the persons concerned and punish them accordingly as they are causing huge loss to the people.