CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to increase the Central allocation for relief measures to Kerala, which has been hit by massive floods.

Yechury, who was on a two-day visit to the State, told Modi in a letter that people were glad that the PM visited and surveyed the damage. “You appreciated the fact that the State government and the authorities there have done a tremendous job of rescuing over 10 lakh marooned people. This is a rescue operation of an unprecedented dimension in the recent times,” he wrote.

“You have sanctioned ₹500 crore of Central assistance, but this is grossly inadequate in the light of the extensive damage that has been caused. I would request you to increase this amount to ₹2,000 crore and urge you to respond positively given the urgency that is warranted,” he said. Both the CPI(M) and the Congress had criticised Modi for “poor” allocation from the Centre’s coffers.

Yechury also demanded a relaxation in GST provisions to the State. He reminded the PM that he had raised concerns in Parliament on how the State government could raise resources required to meet such natural disasters. “The Central government had then assured that such provisions would be made when such circumstances arise. Though no such provisions were provided, now is the time to redeem the assurance from the government on the floor of the house and allow the government of Kerala to take required measures by relaxing the concerned GST provisions,” he said.

Yechury said the overriding concern of the victims is how to face the future. “Massive resources would be required for the rehabilitation of these people. Hence the request for the release of more central funds immediately,” he said.

"New homes will have to be built for the lakhs of people. Under the central scheme of Pradhan Mantri Awaz Yojana, substantial funds must be released for this purpose. I would also urge the Central government to take up this matter with the United Nations agencies seeking assistance for building new homes," he said.

In addition, Yechury has sought for the assistance of the Indian Army’s Engineering Corps and the Border Roads Organisations in the efforts to rebuild Kerala. "The people of Kerala have shown an indomitable spirit and solidarity in meeting the current challenges. Donations of money and material are pouring in from various quarters. Medical equipment is also being sent from organisations of Malayalees in various countries. I request you to waive the duties on such materials as they are being sent for urgent relief and rehabilitation work," he said.

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