The Kerala High Court criticized delays in central aid to Wayanad’s landslide victims, directing the government to provide details by next Friday. Meanwhile, Kerala’s representative, Prof. K V Thomas, met with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, pressing for immediate assistance. The state’s persistent plea highlights the urgent need for timely disaster relief.
Kochi: The Kerala High Court expressed strong displeasure today, on October 10th, over the prolonged delay in providing central aid to the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad district. The court, taking up the matter on its own initiative, issued a directive to the central government to furnish detailed information on the assistance provided to Wayanad by next Friday. This comes in the wake of rising concerns about the lack of timely relief to the disaster-stricken region.
The issue of delayed aid has also prompted Kerala’s special representative in Delhi, Prof. K V Thomas, to take action. He held a crucial meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, emphasizing the urgent need for immediate financial assistance for the victims of the Wayanad landslides.
During the meeting, held at the Union Minister’s office, Thomas reiterated Kerala’s concern that despite several other states receiving central aid post-disasters, Kerala has yet to receive any assistance.
In response, Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured Thomas that she would personally raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister explained that while there had been a delay, it was primarily due to discrepancies in the criteria set by the central and state governments for disaster relief funding.
The Kerala government, in a subsequent statement, expressed hope that the discussions would expedite the process of securing the much-needed aid. “The Union Minister assured that she would discuss the matter with the Prime Minister and ensure a speedy decision on providing aid to Wayanad,” the statement said.
Wayanad, a scenic district in Kerala, was hit by devastating landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains, leaving many families displaced and causing extensive damage to infrastructure. The need for immediate relief is crucial for rebuilding lives and restoring normalcy to the region. The delay in central assistance has not only impacted the recovery process but has also drawn criticism from various quarters, with many questioning the efficiency of the disaster relief mechanism.
Kerala’s plea for swift action comes at a time when other disaster-hit states have received timely assistance from the central government. Prof. K V Thomas pointed out that while several states had received financial aid in the aftermath of natural disasters, Kerala’s request has faced undue delays.
The Kerala High Court’s intervention signals the urgency of the situation and underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability and swift action. The court’s directive to the central government to provide a detailed account of the aid for Wayanad by next Friday is expected to bring more clarity to the issue.
In light of these developments, there is growing pressure on the central government to expedite the process of providing financial relief to the victims of the Wayanad landslides. The High Court’s critical stance and the state government’s proactive efforts reflect a broader demand for a more efficient disaster response system, where timely intervention is prioritized.
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As Wayanad continues to grapple with the aftermath of the disaster, all eyes are now on the central government’s next move. The expectation is that the discussions between the Union Finance Minister and the Prime Minister will result in swift and tangible action, bringing much-needed relief to the affected families and communities in Wayanad.
The people of Kerala are hoping that their concerns will no longer be sidelined, and that the Wayanad landslide victims will soon receive the aid they urgently need.
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