Top News
Yechruy demands Rs 2,000 crore, GST relaxation for Kerala
New Delhi, Aug 21 (IANS) CPI-M General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Tuesday demanded hiking of monetary central assistance to Rs 2,000 crore for rehabilitation work in Kerala post devastating floods besides seeking relaxation in the GST in order to allow the state to raise more funds on its own.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Yechury said with their homes and possessions gone, lakhs of people are staring at an uncertain future in Kerala and that “massive resources” would be required for the rehabilitation of these people.
“You have sanctioned Rs 500 crore central assistance, but this is grossly inadequate in the light of the extensive damage that has been caused. I would request you to increase this amount to Rs 2,000 crore,” Yechury said in the letter.
He also reminded the Pirme Minister of the assurance given in Parliament that provisions in the Goods and Services Tax (GST) would be made for states facing natural calamities.
“You will recollect that during the discussion on the GST Bill, I had raised concerns in Parliament on how the state government could raise resources required to meet such natural disasters. The Central government had then assured that such provisions would be made when such circumstances arise,” he said.
“Though no such provisions were provided, now is the time to redeem the assurance from the government on the floor of the House and allow the state government of Kerala to take required measures by relaxing the concerned GST provisions,” he added.
The CPI-M leader also asked the Prime Minister to waive the duties on the relief materials/ money being sent by various Malayalee organisations from abroad.
Yechury also urged Modi to release funds under various central schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for building homes, and asked the Indian Army’s Engineering Corps and the Border Roads Organisation to assist the state government in reconstructing bridges and roads.
“In order to rebuild the communication networks, it is urged that the Central government agencies like the National Highway Authority of India and other central agencies be asked to deploy their resources and personnel,” Yechury said, urging the Prime Minister to consider his proposals “with the seriousness that they merit”.
–IANS
mak/nir
Top News
Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
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.