THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB.19

[Guest guest]

from:

http://www.hindu.com/2005/02/20/stories/2005022006780400.htm

 

Mutt to follow guidelines on relief

 

By Our Staff Reporter

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picture of Mata Amritanandamayi

 

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB.19. Mata Amritanandamayi has reiterated that

her Mutt is prepared to adhere to the guidelines issued by the State

Government in the implementation of rehabilitation schemes for the

victims of the tsunami onslaught in Kerala.

 

Back from Sri Lanka after a three-day visit to the island nation, the

Mata was talking to mediapersons at the Thiruvananthapuram airport

today. Her visit was mainly to oversee the rehabilitation measures

initiated by the Mutt for the victims of the tsunami disaster there.

 

The Mata said she was worried that there had been a delay on the part

of the authorities concerned to draw up the list of beneficiaries of

the scheme to be implemented in Kerala. It will be in the interest of

the beneficiaries to seek their approval also before the projects are

finalised, she said. The construction of houses could begin only after

the roads have been relaid. However, the Mata is not prepared to blame

the Government for the delay in finalising the projects.

 

For the victims in Tamil Nadu, the Mutt will construct 2,500 houses,

besides supplying outboard engines for fishing boats to be made

available by the State Government.

 

There are indications of the ethnic crisis in Sri Lanka coming to an

end, with both the Government and the LTTE expressing their

willingness to come closer, the Mata said. If needed, she is prepared

to talk to the parties concerned for bringing about an accord, she

said.

 

The Mata had visited two villages in Ambara and Humbantotta,

devastated by the tsunami. Among those who called on her were LTTE

leaders and the representatives of the Government.

 

The Mata said that LTTE leaders had expressed their gratitude to her

for the services being extended by the Mutt to the victims of tsunami.

 

She said the condition of rehabilitation camps there was pitiable.

Help has not yet reached all those affected.

 

The Mata said she had held detailed discussions with the President and

Prime Minister of Sri Lanka on the issue of resettlement of the

tsunami-hit. The Amritanandamayi Mutt has offered an assistance of

Rs.3 crores to be raised by devotees in other countries. The Mutt will

also construct 300 tsunami-resistant houses for the victims. Besides,

orphanages will be constructed for children of the victims. A pension

scheme has also been proposed.

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