ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER IN THE LOK SABHA
A Package for Economic Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation of all those who lost their homes, belongings and
means of livelihood and the immediate revival of normal economic
activities in all the riot-affected areas now remain primary national
tasks. They need to be addressed with utmost expedition, understanding
and sympathy. The spirit of spontaneous support and brotherhood
demonstrated by all sections of the society in Gujarat in the
aftermath of the devastating earthquake has to be kindled once
again. The rehabilitation package has to be comprehensive and
cover all strata of society. I announce an immediate package of
assistance of Rs. 150 crore to Government of Gujarat to carry
out its implementation. This package of assistance will primarily
include: · reconstruction and repair of damaged houses and shops,
both in rural and urban areas; · provision of assistance to all
the self-employed categories who lost their earning assets; ·
financial support for recommencing business, commercial, and industrial
activities; · revival of educational, medical and other institutions
in the affected areas and special programs to benefit widows and
children. This package will be fully supplemented by loans and
assistance from banks and financial institutions on liberal and
concessional terms as were extended following the earthquake of
January 26, 2001. The active involvement of HUDCO and the National
Housing Bank for building and reconstruction of houses and shops
would be enlisted. Similarly, financial institutions would be
asked to catalyze industrial and economic activities. In this
endeavor, the National Minorities Finance and Development Corporation
would be enabled to play a supportive role. Convergence of employment
and welfare schemes like Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana and Sampurna
Gramin Rozgar Yojana, would be promoted, where necessary by suitably
augmenting the provisions under them. It will be ensured that
no one affected by the communal riots is left out of this relief
and rehabilitation. This rehabilitation package is in addition
to a comprehensive relief package that I had announced when I
visited Ahmedabad on April 4, 2002. Since March, relief in one
form or another is already in hand. To enhance the vital need
for immediate rehabilitation, the Government will ensure that
the above package is implemented within four months. For this,
the Cabinet Secretariat has been asked to monitor the work of
implementation on a weekly basis.