Updated on Monday, November 17, 2008, 00:00 IST

Patna, Nov 17: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today demanded speedy release of Rs 14,500 crore rehabilitation package for the development of flood ravaged Kosi region.

Pointing to the state government's commitment for a developed Kosi belt, Kumar said, "We have already submitted a detailed project report worth Rs 14,500 crore to the Centre and now it is for the Centre to release the fund immediately so that work can be taken up at the earliest."

The proposal was submitted three weeks ago, but the Centre was yet to take a decision, he said. "If required I will meet the prime minister again seeking early clearance of the special package," Kumar told reporters here.

The JD(U) leader said the Centre was also requested to make certain amendments in the norms and conditions of the Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) as the state was facing a tough task to provide houses to those whose dwellings were washed away during the floods and make the vast-tract of land in the region cultivable.

He said since the deluge has been declared as a national disaster, the Centre should think of giving Rs 1.50 Lakh for reconstruction of each dwelling in the flood affected areas.

Kumar also denied allegations that government run relief camps were being closed down and said that such camps will continue to function till required.

The Bihar Chief Minister also met 22 children selected by an NGO 'Leads', in the age-group of 6 to 10 from the flood affected districts of Madhepura and Saharsa, for free education upto standard XII at a boarding school in Ranchi.

Bureau Report