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News:
- Controversies over taking voluntary assistance from other countries in the wake of keraladisaster.
Important facts:
2. There is an indication, India may refuse to accept the voluntary financial assistance from other countries for Kerala flood rehabilitation work.
3. UAE and Maldives has offered the financial assistance of 700 Cr and 35 Lakhs respectively.
4. Pakistan has also extended hand to offer assistance voluntary.
5. However, MEA said India is in a position to meet the requirement of Kerala flood rehabilitation and refused to accept aid
6. This is according to NDMP (National Disaster Management Plan)
7. As per NDMP plan 2016, India government cannot appeal for foreign assistance, however, it can accept voluntary help offered by other countries in a goodwill gesture for disaster victims.
8. However, there seems to be a lack of clarity over existing policy of regarding accepting money from overseas in Prime Minister or Chief Minister Relief fund.
9. Author says UPA government in 2004 Tsunami disaster has refused to take any help from other nation for a false pride which has affected the large number of countries in Indian Ocean region.
10. Refusal to accept UAE assistance is not as simple as it seems because 80 % Malayalis in the Gulf are Indians. There may be negative impact on bilateral ties between the countries.
11. In current context we also need to check if refusing to take any helpin the past has become a convention in contrast with NDMP guidelines/written documents.
12. Author suggests India should focus on welfare of masses looking for disaster relief.Taking help should be treated as offering help which India does.
13. However, offers of aid from other countries must be scrutinized to ensure there is no compromise with national security.
