Andhra Pradesh demands Rs 6000 cr to fight damage caused by 'Laila'

New Delhi, May 24 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Rosaiah today met Congress President Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek additional funds of Rs 6000 crore from the National Calamity Contingency Fund to fight the damage caused by cyclone 'Laila'.''I have been apprising of the latest on the calamity caused by cyclone Laila in the districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, VishaHe also discussed problems faced by the extremist-affected districts to augment infrastructure in the affected areas. The Chief Minister also called on Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister P Chidambaram and Law Minister M Veerappa Moily and Defence Minister A K Antony. During his meeting with the Prime Minister, he requested to declare Indra Sagar Polavaram project as a National Project and give in principle approval for the Pranahita Chevella Project. Asked about Dr Singh's reaction to the demand, the Chief Minister said the CCEA was considering the matter and he would convey AP's request to them. Mr Rosaiah requested Mr Chidambaram to approve the proposal of Government of Andhra Pradesh to organise single local cadre in respect of newly-created cadre of teachers in Government, Zilla Parishad and Mandal Parishad schools under the Presidential Order 1975. The Chief Minister sought Central help to effectively counter Left Wing Extremism and ISI-sponsored terrorism in AP. He also requested approval for establishment of CRPF training institution with Field Firing Range in Chittoor district. In his interaction with Mr Antony, Mr Rosaiah urged strengthening of Maritime and Coastal Security to ward off threats from the sea and the Defence Ministry to take over the Hindustan Shipyard. The chief minister urged Mr Moily to amend the Constitutional provisions concerning sub-categorisation of Scheduled Castes when Parliament meets next. Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh and former state Chief Minister called on Mr Rosaiah at AP Bhavan. ================================================