CM announces flood relief package for every section of people

Vijayawada: The state govt on Tuesday announced a flood relief package, starting from monetary benefits to loan restructuring, for people of every section in the affected areas. Calling Budameru floods "an unprecedented calamity", chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu said 2.72 lakh families were affected by the floods. He announced Rs 25,000 for houses on the ground floor and Rs 10,000 for first and above floor houses. Small businesses like general stores, tea shops, and eateries will be given Rs 25,000 each. MSMEs with less than Rs 40 lakh turnover will get an assistance of Rs 50,000, those with turnover up to Rs 1.5 crore will be given Rs 1 lakh, while Rs 1.5 lakh would be given to MSMEs having more than Rs 1.5 crore turnover. Naidu said the govt will stand by the small businesses and help them restart again.Apart from coordinating with insurance companies in the settlement of claims for damaged vehicles, the state govt has announced Rs 3,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 10,000 for three-wheeler autos, while pushcarts will be given free of cost. Rs 25,000 support would be given to weavers and artisans.For farmers, the govt has announced packages for every crop and also for fishermen whose boats, nets, and other equipment got damaged. A separate package for livestock and birds was also announced along with the crop damage. Naidu announced assistance from Rs 25,000 to Rs 35,000 for various crops and up to Rs 50,000 for livestock.The chief minister said several people are generously coming forward and donating to the relief fund which has reached Rs 300 crore so far. Criticising YSRCP for doing politics even in the time of disaster, Naidu said the NDA govt, which inherited crippled systems from the previous regime, faced one of the worst floods in the history of the state. "The entire nation recognised our efforts in mitigating the crisis as everyone in the renewable energy summit appreciated us. However, it is unfortunate to have such an opposition in our state which conspired to kill people by releasing 50-tonne boats into Prakasam barrage to damage the structure," he said.