Kerala floods: Won't take foreign aid, says govt; CM Vijayan says may take up issue with Centre
Vijayan ani
CM Vijayan said that the UAE cannot be considered as 'any other nation' as Indians, including people from Kerala, have contributed a lot to its development.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday cleared the air with respect to receiving foreign aid for flood-ravaged Kerala. According to the official MEA statement, "the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts".
It further stated that the government of India "deeply appreciates offers from several countries".
"The government of India deeply appreciates offers from several countries, including from foreign governments, to assist in relief and rehabilitation efforts after the tragic floods in Kerala," the MEA added.
The MEA also noted that the government would welcome contributions to Prime Minister's Relief Fund and Chief Minister's Relief Fund (Kerala) from NRIs and international entities such as foundations.
The government's clarification comes a day after Thailand's Ambassador to India, Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi, confirmed that the Indian government is not accepting foreign aid for Kerala floods.
"Informally informed with regret that the government of India is not accepting overseas donations for Kerala flood relief. Our hearts are with you the people of Bharat," Gongsakdi tweeted.
The governments of the Maldives and the UAE had extended financial support for flood-hit Kerala previously but the central government was reported to have decided to fall on domestic means to provide relief to Kerala.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday reacted to the chains of events stating, "2016 National Disaster Management Policy says, 'if govt of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims, the central govt may accept the offer'. Right now, only talks are happening".
CM Vijayan added that the government must accept the aid from the UAE. He maintained that the UAE cannot be considered as "any other nation" as Indians, including people from Kerala, have contributed a lot to its development.
The Chief Minister called for a high-level meeting, "if needed", with the centre to enable the fund transfer from the UAE.
"The State will initiate high-level discussions, if needed, with authorities at the Centre to enable the fund- transfer from the UAE government in the wake of the deluge in Kerala,"Vijayan said.