Date:08/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/08/stories/2003010804441100.htm

National

Sonia writes to PM on foodgrains allocation

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JAN. 7. The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, has written to the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, complaining about the "over-centralisation'' of the procedure to allocate foodgrains to drought-affected States.

In her letter dated January 3, Ms. Gandhi said with the task performed by the Central Relief Commissioner being elevated to a Task Force headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, States were "facing serious problems in the management of drought relief.'' Basing her submission on the experience of some of the Congress Chief Ministers, she said that several States were facing acute problems because of "low initial allocations'' that were "unnecessarily delayed.''

Writing on behalf of all drought-affected States, Ms. Gandhi has suggested that the Task Force inform in advance the entire allocation that could be given to each State "at least as a projection.''

Besides, she has suggested that the Government release at least 50 per cent of this allocation initially so that States could ensure an uninterrupted flow of foodgrains to the affected regions.

Ms. Gandhi has also urged the Government to consider delegating powers to the Central Relief Commissioner to respond immediately to distress signals from the States.