Funds no constraint for flood-hit states: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Oct 6 (PTI) The Centre Tuesday assured the
flood-ravaged southern states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh
that funds will not be a constraint for relief and
rehabilitation and asked them to focus on providing succour to
the affected people.

Home Minister P Chidambaram, who visited the flood-hit
areas of the two southern states, said the state governments
may utilise the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) immediately and
once 75 per cent of CRF is exhausted, the states may draw on
the National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF).

"Advances from NCCF will be provided. As soon as the
state government concerned is ready to receive the Central
team, a team will be sent to the state to assess the damage
according to well established norm," he said in a statement.

"I wish to assure the state governments that availability
of funds will not be a constraint and that they should focus
on providing relief to the affected people," he said.

The measures have been taken after consultation with
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Chidambaram said further measures would be considered on
the return of Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee from his trip
abroad Wednesday.

"We have advised these interim measures in order that
rescue and relief operations should continue without
hindrance," he said. (MORE) PTI