Use central assistance in transparent manner: BJP leader to Chief Minister Sukhu

A senior BJP leader and former state general secretary of party Trilok Kapoor today said Chief Minister (CM) Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government should utilise the central aid given for disaster victims in a transparent manner. He said money should reach to every affected and needy person.

Addressing mediapersons here this afternoon, Kapoor said the Central Government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi had stood firmly with Himachal Pradesh in the wake of recent disasters, extending every possible help and support to flood victims. He urged the Congress government in the state to ensure that this assistance was used without any favouritism.

Kapoor said over Rs 5,000 crore had already been transferred to state government under various heads in the past two months, while the Prime Minister, during his visit to Kangra four days ago, announced an additional aid of Rs 1,500 crore separately. Besides, separate funds had been given to state by the National Highways Authority of India for the repairs and restoration of highways and bridges in the state.

He said highway projects worth Rs 1,000 crore, totally funded by the central government, including the BRO and four-lane projects, were underway in the state. He said PM Modi had categorically stated at a high-level meeting at the Gaggal airport that Himachal faces no shortage of support from the central government in the hours of present crises as he considered the state his second home.

He appreciated the gesture of the BJP-ruled states such as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Tripura and Assam for contributing Rs 5 crore each and over 100 truckloads of relief material for the flood victims of the state.

Kapoor said the Prime Minister had sent various central teams to the state for the assessment of losses caused by the natural disasters. As soon as these teams would submit their reports more funds would be given to Himachal for the rehabilitation of flood-affected people, reconstruction of roads, bridges, schools, water supply schemes and power supply infrastructure. He flayed Congress leaders who alleged that central government had extended step-motherly treatment to Himachal Pradesh.