M A I N   N E W S

Logistics panel planned for Andamans

New Delhi, January 1
The Centre today decided to set up an integrated logistics committee for the tsunami-hit Andaman and Nicobar Islands and send central teams to other affected states on January 4 to assess requirements for relief and rehabilitation work.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Group of Ministers (GOM) headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh which is monitoring relief and rehabilitation measures in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Pondicherry, besides the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Making the announcement after the meeting, Cabinet Secretary B.K. Chaturvedi said the committee would be headed by the Defence Secretary, who was already monitoring the logistics of the armed forces and the Shipping and Civil Aviation Ministries engaged in rescue.

The central teams would complete the assessment in two or three days and submit reports which would be the basis for providing further relief to the affected states.

The meeting, which was also attended by Science and Technology Minister Kapil Sibal, lasted more than two hours. Mr Sibal is not a member of the GoM.

Vivek Oberoi adopts village

Cuddalore, January 1
For the 10,000 tsunami-devastated families of Devanampattinam fishing hamlet, Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi descended like manna from heaven to provide relief.

Vivek Oberoi said he was also providing medicines. ‘’We will also finance education for the children of fishermen’’. — UNI