This initiative provides financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans with a repayment period of 50 years. The funds will be released to the state government in 10 working days.
Thiruvananthapuram: The central government has approved special assistance of Rs 529.50 crore for 16 projects in the landslide-affected areas of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the Wayanad district.
The funds allocated for the financial year 2024-25 must be utilised by March 31.
The Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment is a programme that offers interest-free loans to state governments for capital investment projects. This initiative provides financial assistance in the form of interest-free loans with a repayment period of 50 years.
The funds will be released to the state government in 10 working days.
The devastating landslides in Chooralmala, Attamala and Mundakkai on July 30, 2024, claimed the lives of over 250 people and destroyed over 2000 houses displacing hundreds of families and their livelihoods. Nearly 50 people are still missing.
The state government initially proposed 16 projects, which included the construction of public buildings for rehabilitation, the development of access roads and other infrastructure improvements. It is important to note that the Kerla government requested a special financial package of Rs 2000 crore for the rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad.
The approved projects funded by the allocated resources include; the construction of public buildings for resettlement in townships, road construction within the township, river training, establishment of a fire and rescue station, renovation of existing roads, construction of Chooralmala bridge, reconstruction of schools, construction of inpatient facilities and establishment of a 110 KV substation.
Finance Minister K. N. Balagopal stated that the Centre's requirement to utilize the funds by March 31 is impractical. The money requested by the state government is intended for the construction of buildings, laying roads, and developing other infrastructure facilities. It is not feasible to use these funds for such projects within just a month and a half.
"The funds are not meant for direct cash relief to the people; they are designated for implementing specific projects across various sectors," he explained.
Opposition Leader V. D. Satheeshan emphasized that the Centre is mocking Kerala and described the situation as unjust to the people who have suffered greatly due to the devastating landslides.
