BHOPAL, June 24: Prime Minister I K Gujral's visit to Jabalpur last week was expected to quicken the pace of relief and rehabilitation operations for the victims of the May 22 earthquake. However, it now seems that Gujral himself has gone back on his word.

Talking to reporters at Dumna airport, after visiting some of the affected areas, Gujral had categorically stated that a final decision on the amount of assistance, on the basis of the recommendations of the Central team of experts which had earlier visited the quake-hit areas, ``will be taken in Delhi tomorrow (June 18)''. He had then repeatedly pointed out that there would be no shortage of funds for the relief and rehabilitation process. ``Money is not important, removal of human misery is,'' he had said. The Prime Minister had announced an immediate assistance of Rs 40 crore. Nearly a week later, he sent his Minister for Rural Areas and Employment K Y Naidu who, after visiting Jabalpur, announced an assistance of another Rs 22 crore under various relief and rehabilitation schemes.

The State Government is yet to formulate a strategy for relief and rehabilitation of the affected people who are spread over Jabalpur, Mandla and Seoni districts.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.