No politics in disaster relief, provided Rs 898 crore to Wayanad, will continue to provide assistance, says Amit Shah

NEW DELHI: Union Minister Amit Shah stated that the central government had provided all necessary assistance to Kerala during the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslide disaster in Wayanad. He informed the Rajya Sabha that Rs 215 crore had been allocated to Kerala from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Additionally, based on a ministerial report, another Rs 153 crore was sanctioned. His response came during a discussion on the National Disaster Management Bill.

The Kerala government had requested a rehabilitation package worth Rs 2219 crore. Out of this, Rs 530 was provided, Shah said. He added that further assistance would be given as per guidelines.

"The Centre does not engage in politics in the face of disaster. The people of Kerala and the people of Ladakh are all Indians," Amit Shah said. He added that although Rs 36 crore had been allocated for the removal of debris, Kerala had yet to utilize the funds. He also pointed out that the Centre had declared the Wayanad landslides as a disaster of severe nature.