Wayanad Awaits: Central Aid Delay Sparks Kerala High Court's Displeasure

The Kerala High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the central government's delay in providing aid to landslide-hit Wayanad district. Meetings between Kerala's representative and the Union Finance Minister took place, with assurances of discussing the issue with the Prime Minister for expedited assistance.

The Kerala High Court has expressed dissatisfaction with the central government over its delay in providing aid to the landslide-affected Wayanad district. On Thursday, the court directed the central authorities to submit details of any assistance by next Friday.

The issue came under judicial scrutiny as the court considered it on its own initiative. In parallel developments, Kerala's representative in Delhi, Prof K V Thomas, conducted meetings with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, urging for quicker central intervention. These discussions occurred at the Union Finance Minister's office.

In a state government statement, Sitharaman assured Thomas that she would bring the matter to the Prime Minister's attention to expedite aid distribution. Thomas highlighted that despite other states receiving aid post-disasters, Kerala is still waiting. The Union Minister attributed the delays to disparities in criteria between state and central governments.

(With inputs from agencies.)