Prime Minister of India - Dr. Manmohan Singh

PM reviews J&K earthquake relief

The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh chaired a meeting to review the relief and rehabilitation work in the earthquake hit areas of Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting was attended by the Union Defence Minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, the Union Home Minister, Mr Shivraj Patil, National Security Advisor, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister and Union Cabinet Secretary.

The Cabinet Secretary reported to the PM the various steps being taken by the ministries of the Union Government, the State Government, the Defence and paramilitary forces towards relief and reconstruction. The Prime Minister was apprised of steps being taken to deliver food, warm clothing, tents and other housing material. Against an estimated requirement of 30,000 tents, 12,000 tents have already been sent to the State for delivery to various villages. Another 10,000 tents will be delivered by the end of the week.

The Defence Minister reported that defence production units have been instructed to step up manufacture of tents. Private sector tent manufacturing units have also been asked to step up production. It was decided at the meeting that construction of homes and community centers should be taken up on a priority basis since the winter was fast approaching. The State Government, the Union ministry for urban development, the defence and paramilitary organizations and various public sector companies are being allotted specific villages to take up reconstruction work so that there is no duplication of effort.

The Cabinet Secretary reported that substantial donations in cash and kind are being pledged by the private sector. The cabinet secretary will be giving the PM a daily update on donations made and action taken by various ministries.