Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has decided to set up a cyclone warning centre here within a month. This will be the seventh such facility in the country. The decision in this regard was taken in the backdrop of a series of depressions and cyclones occurring in the area.
Meanwhile, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that a new developmental model will be created for rebuilding the state. The state will seek Rs 2,600 crore from the central government to implement a comprehensive package for the purpose. Suggestions for additional mobilisation of funds will also be submitted.
The UAE government has announced a Rs 700 crore aid package for Kerala, said the chief minister. NRI businessman M A Yusuffali has been informed by the UAE officials about the matter, said Pinarayi.
Meanwhile, the government has cancelled the Onam holidays of secretariat employees except the Thiruvonam day to coordinate flood relief activities.
A cabinet meeting held here also decided to appeal to the central government to raise the loan limit of the state from 3.50 per cent to 4.50 per cent of the total revenue. The central government will also be urged to allow the state to impose an additional 2 per cent tax over the GST. Special aid will be sought from NABARD. A special package under the employment guarantee scheme is another demand of Kerala.
Pinarayi said that it had come to the notice of the government that private financiers were harassing flood victims in relief camps over repayment of loans. This will not be allowed, he said. Everyone should adopt a humanitarian approach, Pinarayi added.
He also said that a special session of the Assembly will be convened from August 30 to discuss the flood situation.
