All-party MP delegation to meet Amit Shah

In the aftermath of devastating floods that have wreaked havoc in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M K Stalin is leading efforts to secure immediate financial assistance from the central government. An official release on Thursday revealed that an appointment has been sought from Union Home Minister Amit Shah for an all-party Member of Parliament (MP) delegation to discuss the urgent release of Rs 37,907.19 crore for relief and restoration in the flood-affected districts. This development comes on the heels of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s statement in Chennai, where she asserted that the Centre had devolved more funds to Tamil Nadu than the direct taxes it received from the state. Despite this claim, the state government has spent Rs 2,100 crore on rescue and relief operations, interim relief, and restoration efforts, along with assistance to the affected poor and middle-income groups. Chief Minister M K Stalin announced a Rs 1,000 crore flood relief package, targeting the rehabilitation of MSME units, self-help groups, small traders, farmers, and fishermen. This financial aid aims to alleviate the distress caused by the calamity, demonstrating the state’s commitment to supporting those most affected. The release emphasized that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Tamil Nadu on January 1, expressed grief over the cyclone and flood damages. However, the state is yet to receive any relief assistance from the Union government despite visits from central teams, Union ministers, and the submission of two memorandums by the state government. The statement highlighted the disparity in the response compared to other states facing natural calamities. It pointed out that when such disasters occurred elsewhere, the Centre promptly provided relief assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund. The delay in aid for Tamil Nadu raises concerns, especially as central teams assessed damages in Chennai and Chengalpattu districts in mid-December, and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also visited the affected areas.