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Govt to plunge into rehabilitation, says PM

Prime Minister A B Vajpayee Thursday said the government's prime objective in Gujarat was to plunge into the task of rehabilitating victims of the devastating earthquake in the state and asserted that financial assistance would not be a problem.

"The government has announced a substantial amount as relief assistance. The government is willing to give more money. Money is no longer a problem," he told mediapersons in Madras before his departure to New Delhi by a special aircraft.

"Rehabilitation will take a long time," the prime minister, who was on a two-day visit to the city, said.

"Sorry, there is no confusion about disbursement," he replied when asked about reports of confusion prevailing in carrying out relief work in the quake-affected areas.

The government has been able to despatch relief materials to the victims within 24 hours of the tragedy. "There is no dearth of relief material. I thank the foreign governments for extending all help," he said.

On reports that relief work was being hampered by VIP visits to the quake-affected areas, Vajpayee said: "There is no hindarance. The law and order situation is under control. We are giving full solidarity."

When asked if the coming Budget would be 'harsh' because of the disaster in Gujarat, he replied, "'That only the Union finance minister can say."

The Complete Coverage | List of earthquake sites

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