The Hindu : Relief package for drought-hit areas soon

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Nov 28, 2002

National

National

Relief package for drought-hit areas soon

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI NOV. 27. The Centre would unveil a comprehensive package of relief for drought-hit areas in both the Houses of Parliament in a couple of days.

This was announced here today by the Minister for Information and Broadcasting and Cabinet spokesperson, Sushma Swaraj.

The package, finalised at a meeting of the Union Cabinet, would list the measures that have already been taken and the new steps that are to be implemented.

Briefing presspersons on the deliberations of the meeting, Ms. Swaraj said the Cabinet had approved an air service agree0ment for expansion of links with Malaysia, with two more destinations — in India, Bangalore and Hyderabad, and in Malaysia, Penang and Langwaki — included.

A highlight of the agreement was that India would get two additional destination points in the United States to facilitate easier movement of American tourists visiting India through Malaysia.

The destinations would be decided upon soon, she added.

The Cabinet also decided to continue with the subsidised helicopter ferry services between Agati and other islands in Lakshwadeep for another five years.

Under the scheme, Indian citizens were entitled to a subsidy of 80 per cent in fare for travelling in the helicopters operated by Pawan Hans between Agati and the other islands.

The decision to continue with the subsidised fare was taken since medical services were unavailable in the area and helicopters were the only means to ferry patients for treatment, particularly during monsoon, Ms. Swaraj said.

A Bill would be introduced in Parliament to amend the Company Act for setting up a company law tribunal for adjudicating disputes and working out rehabilitation and winding up packages for companies as part of efforts to tackle industrial sickness.

Sources said the proposed tribunal would be a quasi-judicial body vested with powers now enjoyed by the Company Law Board and the Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction as also the winding up powers enjoyed by High Courts. Comprising 60 members, the tribunal would function as benches set up across the country to tackle disputes and cases of sickness effectively.

Ms. Swaraj, however, refused to give any details on the ground that the Parliament was in session and it was the prerogative of MPs to know about the changes first.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National