Date:28/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/12/28/stories/2004122807541100.htm

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DMK chief suggests calamity relief cess

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, DEC. 27. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam president, M. Karunanidhi, today wrote to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, suggesting that the Centre levy a one per cent `calamity relief cess' on income tax.

This could be a one-time measure and the proceeds could be used for the rehabilitation of those affected as was done after the Gujarat earthquake, he said in a letter, a copy of which was released to the media.

He thanked the Prime Minister for deputing the Union Ministers, Shivraj Patil, Dayanidhi Maran and Manishanker Aiyar, to assess the situation, console people and provide relief. "I also convey my appreciation to the efforts taken by the concerned Governments in the affected States for providing immediate relief and assistance to the grief-stricken people."