Bhubaneswar, Nov. 8: In an unusual move, Odisha governor S.C. Jamir today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for early release of central assistance to the tune of Rs 5,832 crore for relief and restoration work in the state.

In a letter to Prime Minister, Jamir requested for an early consideration of releasing the central assistance of Rs 4,242.41 crore for damage caused by Phailin and subsequent floods in 18 districts and another Rs 1,590.09 crore for the second spell of floods in 13 districts, Raj Bhavan sources said.

Mentioning that the inter-ministerial central team had visited the affected areas in some districts, he requested the Prime Minister to provide funds to the state so that restoration and reconstruction works can continue in full swing.

In a related move, chief minister Naveen Patnaik today sought an appointment with the Prime Minister and Union home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde to discuss about the post-Phailin reconstruction in the state.

“On getting appointment, the chief minister will go to New Delhi meet the Prime Minister and home minister and discuss the matter,” said an official in the CMO.

The Prime Minister was scheduled to visit Odisha on November 2 to have a look on the Phailin and flood affected areas of the state. “Since his visit was cancelled, the chief minister has sought an appointment of the Prime Minister at New Delhi in the interest of Phailin and flood affected people,” said the official.

Earlier, the chief minister had written to the Prime Minister on October 16 seeking an advance of Rs 1,000 crore to meet the post-Phailin situation. Later, the state government submitted two memoranda to the Centre seeking assistance of Rs 5,832.50 crore for relief and restoration work in Phailin and flood affected areas.

Yesterday, the state cabinet decided to enhance the quantum of Odisha Contingency Fund to Rs 1,900 crore from Rs 400 crore to meet the requirements for relief and restoration. The chief minister today reviewed the progress in restoration in Ganjam district that was ravaged by Phailin on October 12 and then affected again by floods during October 21 to 26. Incidentally, Ganjam happens to be Naveen’s home district.

The series of government moves come in the backdrop of ruling BJD’s campaign against the central neglect to Phailin-ravaged Odisha.

Reacting to the BJD’s allegation, Union minister Srikant Jena said: “BJD is perhaps suffering from jaundice. It is alleging central neglect on every issue.”