Kerala Faces 'Cruel Joke' with Conditional Loan for Wayanad Rehabilitation

Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan criticized the stringent conditions of a Rs 529.50 crore loan sanctioned by the Centre for Wayanad rehabilitation, calling it a 'cruel joke.' The terms demand quick allocation, sparking disappointment among affected residents who expected unconditional aid.

Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan has strongly criticized the Rs 529.50 crore loan sanctioned by the Centre for Wayanad rehabilitation, describing the conditions attached as 'scary' and akin to a 'cruel joke.' According to Rajan, the stipulations, such as utilising the full amount by March 31, are completely impractical.

In Wayanad, where severe landslides resulted in the loss of over 200 lives last July, residents expressed their frustration and disappointment. The victims are dissatisfied with the way the Centre and state are handling the aftermath, as they feel caught in a political tug-of-war.

Finance Minister K N Balagopal acknowledged the complications of the Centre's conditions but committed to continuing the rehabilitation efforts. The state government plans to inform the Centre of the challenges associated with the loan's stringent terms, focusing on the difficulties of meeting a tight deadline.

(With inputs from agencies.)