In a major rehabilitation initiative for tsunami-hit states, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a package of Rs 2731.04 crore for the fisheries and housing sectors.

The package constitutes the first phase of measures taken by the Centre and covers Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Pondicherry, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said.

He added that the government was working out a separate package for Andaman and Nicobar, which would be worked out after the visit of Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar to the islands on Thursday.

Briefing reporters after a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Chidambaram said Rs 861.82 crore would be released for immediate relief measures.

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TN seeks Rs 4,800 cr from Centre

Mata gives Rs 100 cr

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