Row erupts over foreign aid for India
New Delhi has record of refusing relief assistance after disasters
NEW DELHI — India will not accept relief assistance from foreign governments for the flood-ravaged state of Kerala, the government has said, following offers of aid from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The decision to decline foreign help drew criticism from the opposition, which called for an end to the suffering of the people of the southern state hit by the worst flooding in a century, which has killed 420 people since June and left 1.34 million people in nearly 3,300 relief camps across the state.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has announced assistance of 6 billion rupees ($85 million), compared with a request from the state for at least 20 billion rupees.
Modi has promised more aid and his government said late on Wednesday that would come through “domestic efforts”.
“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 Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
“In line with the existing policy, the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts.”
This week, the UAE offered assistance of $100 million while Qatar offered $5 million. Many people from Kerala live and work in the Gulf region. The Maldives government had also promised money.
But India has a record of refusing foreign aid after disasters, turning down help after the 2004 tsunami. Experts said Indian governments want to prove they can handle any emergency by themselves.
Torrential rain began in Kerala on Aug 8, destroyed tens of thousands of homes and washed away roads and bridges, leading to an estimated loss of at least $2.85 billion.
Kerala state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan called for “high level” talks with the national government so the UAE money could be accepted.
The rain eased over the weekend as the focus of efforts turned to relief and rehabilitation from rescue.
“We know the humanitarian needs are enormous, but it will be some time before we know just how big that is,” Ray Kancharla, a manager with the aid group Save The Children, said in a Tuesday statement. “Roofs and walls have collapsed; roads have been completely washed away.”
He estimated it could take “well over a week” before the effects of the devastation are clear.
Crisis exacerbated
The main opposition Congress party accused Modi of exacerbating the crisis by failing to come through with more aid and creating obstacles to foreign help.
“This decision is quite disappointing to the people of Kerala,” Congress leader and former Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy wrote in a public letter to Modi.
“Rules should be such (that they) eradicate the sufferings of the people. If there exist any obstacle against the acceptance of foreign aid, kindly look into the matter seriously and bring suitable modifications.”
The Foreign Ministry said the government would welcome contributions to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from foundations, Indians living abroad and from people of Indian origin.
Kerala’s Finance Minister Thomas Isaac described the central government’s move to say no to foreign assistance as “a dog in the manger policy”, saying the central government should compensate the state for refusing foreign aid.