PM should announce special economic package; Congress and UDF are with government in Wayanad rehabilitation: VD Satheesan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Opposition leader VD Satheesan has demanded that the Prime Minister, who is visiting Wayanad, should announce a special economic package. "There should be policy formulation, including in development, considering climate change. Congress and UDF will stand with the government in rehabilitation," VD Satheesan stated.

"Not even the number of victims of the disaster has not been received accurately yet. However, this is not because of the government's fault. Even between the Panchayat's estimate and the official estimate, there is a difference between the number of missing persons. The number of missing persons is more than that. The information on migrant workers and those who stayed on rent is not available. Some people have lost their homes and lost their entire land. It is not clear where they should move from the camp. This is a location where they do not get rented houses. In this case, we should think about a temporary shelter with a room, toilet and kitchen. The government can provide all the help needed."

"Legally, it cannot be declared as a national disaster. According to the international convention, national disaster ranges from L0 to L4. The disaster in Wayanad is from L3 to L4. The central government should announce a special financial package according to L4. It is expected that it will happen with the Prime Minister's visit. Understanding the depth of the disaster, help is needed like what is done in other states."

"Not only the rehabilitation of the victims but also the people living in the disaster area will have to be relocated. Family package should be implemented in the third phase with special consideration for the families whose children have been orphaned, the elderly and those who have lost their income. The hundred houses to be built by the Congress are intended to be made into townships and community living. This proposal has been placed before the government. We should make a clean house and create a living environment. Not even one child's education should be disrupted. We will help those who do not get government assistance. We have asked to prepare a list of all the children," VD Satheesan said.