‘MLAs’ absence will not affect works’
Bellary mine owners to contribute funds for constructing 54,000 houses
Absence of elected representatives would not affect the flood relief works as it was the officers who monitored works and distributed relief cheques, maintained Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy.
More than 50 MLAs, a majority of them from the flood-hit areas, are in resorts in Hyderabad and Goa as they have identified with the Reddy camp in the ongoing political crisis in the State.
Speaking to reporters after holding a video conference with deputy commissioners of the flood-affected areas Karunakara Reddy said: “Even under normal circumstances, MLAs do not monitor every development work even though they enjoy the right to guide, monitor and inspect the works. Therefore, their absence will not come in the way of the relief works.”
Land identified
The minister added that most of the land required for shifting flood-affected villages had been identified and the officials had been instructed to complete the process within 10 days.
In case of villagers who were demanding a higher price to part with their land, the officials concerned had been asked to report such instances to the department heads immediately. The government would consider them as special cases and take appropriate decisions, eh said.
Reddy informed that the mine owners of Bellary would contribute funds for constructing 54,000 houses in the flood-hit villages.
A total of 6.85 lakh houses were damaged in the floods. As per the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) norms, a completely damaged house would get a compensation of Rs 35,000 and the State government would offer Rs 15,000.
Replying to a question, he said the appointment of a coordinator for construction of houses for the flood-victims would not affect his works as Revenue Minister. “Construction of houses for the victims comes under Revenue Department and I am looking after it,” he said.
Reddy informed that the DCs of Raichur, Bagalkot, Gulbarga, Dharwad, Bellary and Haveri had demanded for extra funds to proceed with the relief works and added that the government would arrange for the funds.
