Upputhara (Idukki): CPM Upputhara local secretary K. Kalesh Kumar has converted his wedding gifts into relief aid for the victims of the recent landslides in Wayanad. Kalesh Kumar, who got married on Sunday, decided to use the cash gifts and other gifts he received to help the victims of the disaster in Wayanad with the full support of his bride Sujitha.
The couple, along with members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI), presented the gifts to district secretary Ramesh Krishnan.
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In addition to this personal initiative, the Government of Kerala has been actively dealing with the aftermath of the Wayanad disaster that occurred on July 30 and affected nearly 47.37 sq. km of the Meppadi Gram Panchayat. The disaster claimed over 400 lives, with Chooralmala, Muthanga and Mundakkai being among the worst affected areas.
In response, the Kerala Cabinet has decided to provide free Onam packs containing 13 essential food items to all ration card holders in the affected areas and to all Antyodaya Anna Yojana card holders and welfare institutions across the state. In addition, a financial assistance of Rs 10,000 has been provided to 379 families directly affected by the landslides.
Earlier, the government had asked employees to pay five days’ salary to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). However, Dr Jayathilak assured that those who have not submitted consent letters will not face any salary loss and that the SPARK scheme for employees applying for PF loans will continue unhindered, irrespective of their consent status.
