State to provide funds to build houses for storm victims: Mamata
‘None will be spared if law & order situation not maintained in Cooch Behar’
“Go ahead. Start constructing your houses,” was Mamata Banerjee’s message to the victims whose houses were flattened in the tornado and storms in Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar recently. She also warned that “none would be spared if anyone is found instigating riots and unrest or if there is a law and order situation in Cooch Behar”.
“If you want, you can file a case against me. I welcome it and will be proud that a case has been clamped on me for helping the less fortunate. I have not committed any crime by standing with the disaster victims,” challenged Banerjee without naming the EC. The announcement was made the day after the victims had appealed to the government for grants to rebuild houses as monsoons were fast approaching and they did not have roofs above their heads.
On March 31, a tornado struck Jalpaiguri along with thunderstorms in Cooch Behar and Alipurduar, leaving many homeless.
Banerjee had rushed to the area the same night to oversee relief operations.
“On April 2, we wrote to the EC seeking permission to rebuild the houses that had been flattened, as the MCC is in place. The EC has insisted that the existing policy be followed whereby Rs 5000 be given to people whose houses have been partially damaged and Rs 20,000 to victims whose houses have been totally damaged. What will people do with Rs 20,000, buy a few tin sheets?” questioned Banerjee.
Recently the EC gave its
nod to release funds to the Bihu committee in Assam despite the MCC. “I am happy for my brothers and sisters of Assam but why this attitude towards Bengal? The victims have lost everything,” stated Banerjee.