Date:03/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/03/stories/2008120351840300.htm

Other States - Puducherry

Government announces solatium

Staff Reporter

PUDUCHERRY: The government will provide a solatium of Rs. one lakh to the families of persons killed in the recent rain, Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam has said.

In a late night press meet after chairing a Cabinet meeting on Monday, he said that the amount would be distributed to the next of kin killed in the rain in the Puducherry and Karaikal regions. A sum of Rs. 5,000 would be given to those injured. Four persons were killed, three in Puducherry alone, and 15 were injured. The Cabinet also decided to provide a compensation of Rs. 2,000 to persons who had lost their huts, he said, adding that Rs.1,000 would be given to partially-damaged houses.

The total damage caused by rain in the two regions of the Union Territory was to the tune of Rs. 114 crore. A detailed report had been sent to the Union government seeking financial assistance.