Chouhan seeks EC nod to distribute relief funds to rain-hit farmers

New Delhi: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today sought the permission from the Election Commission for distribution of relief funds package for farmers in the state who had suffered crop loss due to unseasonal rains and hailstorm. Officials said Chouhan met Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) V S Sampath and apprised him about the natural calamity that has hit the farmers of the state and put forth the reasons for requirement to disburse relief funds at a time when the model code of conduct is in force in view of the Lok Sabha polls in the country. [caption id=“attachment_1433323” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Shivraj Singh Chouhan. AFP[/caption] The CM, sources said, briefed the EC about the plans initiated by his government before the enforcement of the code of conduct in this regard and the latest requirement of fresh funds to be disbursed after rains and hailstrom persisted. Chouhan also met Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde with regard to these developments earlier in the day. “I have urged the Home Minister to announce an economic package of Rs 5,723 crore for the relief and rehabilitation of those who were affected due to the unseasonal rains and hailstorm,” he told reporters here after the meeting with Shinde. PTI