Rs 1,500 crore relief inadequate, state requires much more: Chauhan

Naresh Chauhan, Principal Media Adviser to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, today said that Rs 1,500-crore relief package announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his recent visit to the state was inadequate and the Centre should offer greater help in view of the scale of destruction. “The entire state has suffered massive destruction. The Rs 1,500-crore assistance is not adequate when we are looking at rebuilding the state. Besides, it’s merely an announcement as there has been no notification. Also, we don’t know whether this aid is scheme-based or special assistance,” he added.

Chauhan attacked state BJP leaders for trying to paint a picture that the Centre had helped the state in a big way. “BJP leaders have been making misleading statements about the Central assistance. In a federal structure, the Centre is duty-bound to help states at the time of disasters. It’s our right to get help from the Central Government,” he claimed.—