By Firstdespatch Desk Sep 11, 2024
Agartala, Sep 11 (FD) The opposition Congress on Tuesday slammed the ‘double engine’ government for “scanty” funds allocated to Tripura for reconstruction of the state after the devastating floods, which claimed at least 33 people and more than one lakh people were displaced.
When the state incurred loss of estimated Rs 14,247 crore the central government has sent only Rs 40 crore so far.
“The Tripura has failed to bring funds from the Centre even after 21 days of the devastation. The Centre has only released Rs 40 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund in advance to the flood-hit state. This is not financial assistance from the Centre,” senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman told a press conference.
He said, the state government, which claims to be the double engine government as the same BJP government is also at the helm of affairs, but even after 21 days have passed it failed to bring funds from the central government.
He alleged that Chief Minister Manik Saha had declared a special package of Rs 564 crore for restoration of physical infrastructure bypassing the council of ministers.
“How come chief minister declare such a package without approval from the state cabinet and I am confident he held no cabinet meeting before the announcement. This is completely illegal and unethical”, he said.
Roy Barman also said the package will not help the flood-affected people as the funds are allocated for restoration of physical infrastructure- rebuilding of roads, buildings and embankments.
“The need of the hours is to provide financial assistance to the flood-hit people as they have lost everything in the floods. But the package is not meant for extending support to the people”, he said.
Wondering why Tripura was not declared a natural a disaster affected-state, the senior legislator alleged the chief minister had declared a special package to cover up the shame for failing to bring funds.
Roy Barman also claimed that Tipra Motha supremo Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma has fallen into the trap of the BJP.
“The Tipra Motha has signed an agreement with the Centre and the state government to find a permanent solution to the problems of indigenous people on March 2, 2024. You (Pradyot) assured people that the Centre will fulfill the demands within the next six months.
“The Centre signed a peace agreement with two outlawed groups – NLFT and ATTF on September 4 and Rs 250 crore has been earmarked for their rehabilitation. We want to know how many arms will be laid down during the surrender?” he said. FD JK