Madikeri:  The Government has given top priority to the families of flood-affected victims who have lost their houses to rebuild them on a priority basis, said Minister for Kannada and Culture Jayamala.

She was addressing a press conference at Hotel Valley View, here yesterday and said that several families have lost their houses and source of livelihood due to heavy rains and floods.

All measures will be taken to build the houses, thus responding to their pain and help them lead a decent life, she added.

“30 Anganwadi centres have been completely damaged in the floods and 144 partially damaged. A total of 75 centres have to be repaired. Mathrupoorna scheme has to reach each and every Anganwadi and the cooking gas and toilet facility must be compulsorily there,” she said.

Due to the natural calamity in the district, 69 physically challenged and 188 senior citizens have lost their homes. The lives of 19 people have been disrupted. The Women and Child Welfare Department will provide all facilities for them, she assured.

The women need to be economically empowered by providing them jobs. Grants will be provided from the Department in this regard. There are no reports of malnutrition among pregnant, post natal care women and children, informed Jayamala.

No reduction in grants for Madikeri Dasara

There will be no reduction in grants for celebrating Madikeri Dasara as it is a Nada Habba and it needs to be celebrated every year, said Minister for Kannada and Culture Jayamala.

She was reacting to a question by the media regarding the celebration of Dasara in Madikeri and said that just like Mysuru Dasara is famous, people also look forward to Dasara here.