Parliamentary Committee assures Odisha of help

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home reportedly assured the Odisha government that it would recommend to Centre to allocate funds from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) for the people affected by the cyclone Phailin that hit the state in 2013.
"We had a detailed discussion on the impact of the cyclone Hudhud in 2014. However, we requested the parliamentary panel to take up the matter relating to release of arrears amount of Rs 399.83 crore for cyclone Phailin in 2013. But the Centre has insisted that the requirement be met from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). But we have urged the central government to allot funds from the NDRF, " Odisha's special relief commissioner P K Mohapatra told reporters after the panel's meeting with the state government officials.

The Parliamentary panel has assured us to make such recommendation to allocate funds under NDRF, Mohapatra said.
"We understand that they (state government) has some financial problem. We have come to know that many of the Hudhud victims also faced problems in getting relief materials. We have communicated the people's problems to the state government. We will see whatever possible help the panel can extend to the people", said Pradip Bhattacharya, chairman of the Parliamentary Standing committee.
Stating that Hudhud is also a very severe cyclonic storm that struck the coast near Vishakapatnam on October 12, 2014, the panel members observed that the state government should be provided proper assistance.

Earlier, the state government in its memorandum submitted to the Home ministry, had demanded an assistance of Rs 777.12 crore for restoration and rehabilitation work in 22 districts affected by the very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud.