THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister
Pinarayi Vijayan returned from the US on Sunday early morning after his 21-day treatment. He sprang a surprise as he came one day earlier than it was announced.
Industries minister E P Jayarajan had said that the chief minister will be returning on Monday morning. When the CM left for the US the official version was that he will be leaving on September 3, but he left a day early on September 2.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan receives contribution towards chief minister’s distress relief fund from a Hyderabad-based firm on Sunday
The chief minister reached his office at secretariat at 10am on Sunday and had discussions with the officials on the progress of rehabilitation works in the flood-hit areas.
He will be leaving for New Delhi on Monday evening to attend the CPM politburo meeting. The chief minister has sought time to meet Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Wednesday.
In the meeting, it is expected that the CM would request more financial assistance for flood relief from the Centre. Even though the state government has submitted its report to the Centre, a final decision on fund release is yet to be taken. Based on the guidelines fixed by the Centre on natural calamities, the state had submitted a proposal seeking Rs 4,796.35 crore as compensation.
At present, the central team in the state is visiting the flood-hit areas to have the final assessment on the damages caused. Based on their report, the Centre will be finalizing the compensation package for the state.
However, the chief minister decided to meet the Prime Minister even before the Central team submits its report and seek maximum support from the Centre. But the chief minister’s office confirmed that the Prime Minister’s office is yet to give nod for the meeting.
The chief minister is expected to return to
Kerala on Wednesday and will chair the cabinet meeting on Thursday.
Pinarayi Vijayan (File photo)
