Date:08/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/01/08/stories/2005010800971705.htm

Back Contributions from Velugu

Our Bureau

HYDERABAD: Contributing its mite to tsunami-hit fishermen, Velugu (Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty — SERP) launched a scheme covering 3,067 families, representing 283 self-help groups in 18 villages.

Acting on a direction from the Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, to help out the fishermen, Velugu interacted with local officials and the victims and prepared the assistance package for Guntur.

Early this week, the Chief Minister asked SERP to formulate a rehabilitation programme on war footing for the fishermen along the coast. "Accordingly, SERP started economic rehabilitation in all the affected districts. This process would be completed by the month end," a Government release said here.