Flu hits two more Bengal dists

Dasgupta said families which had availed loans to start poultry farming would not have to pay the interest immediately. The administration will also offer a one-time grant of Rs 500 to each affected family for the three months during which they will not be allowed to rear poultry. This will cost the state Rs 25 crore, half of which will probably be paid by the Centre, he added.

Meanwhile, Rahaman claimed there have been no lapses in maintaining vigil. 8220;Joint inspection teams from the state and Centre have surveyed the areas along the border with Bangladesh even before the flu was confirmed. Samples were routinely being sent before the outbreak,8221; he said. The minister refuted recent news reports and claimed sub-divisional hospitals in the affected districts were well-equipped.

State Health Minister Dr Surjya Kanta Mishra added that all measures have been taken to tackle human infection.