People's Democracy

Demands Of The CPI(M)

Taking stock of the situation in the affected areas, the CPI(M) state secretariat which met on January 1 made the following demands from the state government:

• The state government and district administrations should involve all political and social organisations in relief and rehabilitation and make the process public and transparent.

• It should ensure that all the public health and sanitation measures are immediately restored and streamlined. The primary health centers need all the facilities required, that were hitherto lacking.

• Protected drinking water should be provided to all the affected areas. Fishermen should be provided with fully subsidised means of their livelihood, which include boats and nets and work out mechanisms by which all their earlier financial debts are nullified.

• Farmers whose lands became saline due to the inundation of the sea water should be adequately compensated.

• Apart from fishermen, all those who have lost their jobs and livelihood because of tsunami should also be given compensation.

• The government should take steps to ensure resettlement in their respective villages and restoration of their livelihood.  As the construction of new houses will take sometime, the affected fishermen should be provided with semi permanent houses and community kitchens should be organised in all affected areas till they start their own cooking.

• The government should take all necessary measures to restore the normal life of the affected fishermen and other affected people.