Discussion on Cyclone Titli assistance in Rajya Sabha tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: Disappointed with the amount of assistance released by the Central government for damages inflicted by cyclonic storm Titli and the subsequent flood and landslides, Rajya Sabha member Prasanna Acharya on Wednesday submitted a notice in the Upper House for a discussion on the same. The notice has reportedly been accepted and a discussion on Central assistance for Titli will be held tomorrow.

Speaking to OTV, Acharya said: "After dilly-dallying, the Central government (a couple of days ago) announced a mere Rs 1,023 core assistance for Odisha. So, we submitted a notice on behalf of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) for a discussion on the matter and RS Chairman Venkaiah Naidu has accepted it. I hope other parties will support our cause and the issue can be discussed properly."

Acharya further accused the Centre of meting out 'step-motherly behavior' towards Odisha.

Besides, Odisha government had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Centre and sought an assistance of Rs 2,023.13 crore against the total requirement of Rs 2,779.32 crore for the relief and restoration work following the cyclonic storm.