Monday, July 4 2005 14:07 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vadodara: United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday (July4, 2005) said that the Gujarat government should ensure that money for flood-affected people reaches them.

Talking to media persons after arriving with Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee for a survey of flood-hit areas. Gandhi said, "I have been receiving complaints that people are not getting cash doles. The state government should ensure that the flood affected people do get them".

The UPA chairperson and the Defence Minister visited the worst hit areas like Karelibaug and Kalyannagar slums on the banks of Vishwamitri River that flooded in the torrential rains.

The UPA chairperson while visiting affected areas of the city stopped at several places and talked to those affected by the extreme conditions that prevailed.

Gandhi said that Centre had reacted promptly and already given Rs 500 crore rehabilitation package to Gujarat as flood situation was bad.

She assured slum dwellers whose houses were completely washed in the flood that a major portion of the rehabilitation package would be spent on rebuilding their houses.

Gandhi and Mukherjee are expected to visit Ahmedabad.

Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil has already surveyed parts of flood-ravaged Gujarat and announced initial relief Rs 500 crore.