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State, Centre apathetic to rebuilding flood-hit Kerala: Congress

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Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 25 (IANS) The CPI (M)-led Kerala government lacks a blueprint, while the Centre has been meting out a step-motherly treatment to the the flood-hit state, hampering rebuilding efforts, a senior Congress leader said on Sunday.

The monsoon rains that began lashing Kerala on May 29 led to the death of 417 people. The rains and the consequent deluge caused unprecedented destruction and forced more than a million people to take shelter in relief camps.

Ramesh Chennithala, who is also the leader of the opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, told reporters here that today (Sunday) marked 100 days of the worst-ever flood to have hit the state.

“What is most unfortunate is that the Pinarayi Vijayan government has only talked of rebuilding a new Kerala, when they do not even have a blueprint for it. While the loss has been pegged at Rs 40,000 crore, all that has come is a mere Rs 600 crore from the Centre and the state government has managed to raise a mere Rs 3,633.72 crore,” said Chennithala.

Chennithala said that Vijayan had miserably failed to keep his promises to the flood- affected people.

“Around 1.4 million people were displaced and Vijayan had said each one of them would be given Rs 10,000. Even after 100 days, only 5.9 lakh people have got the promised money,” Chennithala added.

The Chief Minister had promised that small traders would be given an interest-free loan of Rs 10 lakh and Rs one lakh would be given as bank loan to buy home appliances that were damaged. However, not one such loan has been sanctioned.

Chennithala added that agricultural crops on 56,439 hectares were damaged, causing a loss of Rs 1,345 crore.

“The primary reason why funds are not coming is that Vijayan went hammer and tongs against the State government employees and sought to coerce them to contribute a month’s salary… Instead of asking for help, he challenged the employees and it resulted in antagonising them,” said Chennithala.

Lashing out at the Centre, Chennithala said Prime Minister Narendra Modi now knows that the Bharatiya Janata Party in Kerala was not going to do any wonders electorally and hence he has taken an anti-Kerala position.

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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