CM seeks crowdfunding for Kerala’s rebuilding
dubai — Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will arrive this morning in Abu Dhabi on the first leg of a four-day visit to the UAE to galvanise NRI support for his “new Kerala mission”, initiated in the aftermath of the recent devastating floods.
The Kerala leader, who has a hectic schedule that will see him address a series of public receptions and business meetings in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, said he is getting overwhelming support from non-resident Indians and other international organisations for the rebuilding drive involving billions of dollars.
In an exclusive interview with Khaleej Times on the eve of his fourday visit to the UAE, the chief minister said he expects from overseas Indians not only their financial participation but also their expertise and ideas for the monumental task of creating a brand new Kerala. He said the disaster had demonstrated the amazing resilience of Keralites and their commendable ability to stand united in times of crises irrespective of politics and faith. “Such massive scale of coordinated rescue and relief efforts will remain a role model in disaster management for the country and the world.”
He said crowdfunding is top on the list of several options his government is examining to raise funds for rebuilding the infrastructure and rehabilitating the victims.
The Marxist veteran also shared his views on some of the ongoing issues, including the government’s resolve to implement the recent Supreme Court verdict on permitting women of all ages to the Sabarimala temple, and the government’s decision to cancel the brewery licences in the wake of protests.