SHANTARAM NAIK M.P 2137, Near Swami Math,
Gogol, Margao 9422439990 09868181344 7th Jan 2014 *SHANTARAM NAIK ANNOUNCES FIVE LAKHS FROM MPLAD FOR CANACONA DISASTER RELIEF* FOR THE FAVOUR OF PUBLICATION Mr Shantaram Naik M.P. who visited Canacona , today, announced a sum of rupees five lakhs from the MPLAD funds towards the disaster relief , caused due to the collapse of a multi storey building in Canacona taluka, South Goa district. Mr Naik said that it is for the District management to decide how to use the fund but added that as a Member of Parliament representing the entire State ,it was his duty to be of help to the members of the deceased families and families of those injured during the tragedy. People appeared to be angry that the local ruling party is more interested in organizing a public rally for one of their leaders rather than concentrating their efforts in Canacona. In a statement issued today, Mr Naik said he tried to pacify the people saying the administration , which has no experience in handling such disasters in the past, is doing its best to hand over the extricated bodies to the relatives , after proper identification and count. He also said that efforts are on to extricate trapped bodies. Mr Naik said that he had a brief discussion with the Collector of South Goa , policers and officers of State Disaster Management team, who are planning to demolish the nearby building to avoid further damage. Mr Naik said locals were angry that there is an undue delay in obtaining technical machinery required in such operations Mr Naik also said he will try obtain Central funds ,if needed. Unfortunately, Mr Naik said MPLAD funds cannot be given to individual victims, and that, he was of the strong view that MPLAd rules should be amended to permit MPs to distribute one or two percent of the funds to individuals for emergency individual relief, he said. Mr Naik said that people of Canacona have become emotional and they are expressing their ire over politicians and government officers but, everyone should understand their emotional outburst at this critical hour Mr Naik said. Mr Naik said was in Bengalaru in connection with party work but he rushed to Canacona this morning despite the fact that one of his cousin brothers , met with serious accident this morning while on a morning walk at Margao and was admitted in GMC in a critical condition. RELEASED FROM THE OFFICE OF SHRI SHANTARAM NAIK