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Article:
- Happymon Jacob, has talked about the India’s argument in context of Foreign aid for Kerala disaster.
Important Analysis.
2. According to author it is unfortunate that central government has declined UAE and other countries offer for Kerala disaster relief.
3. This reflects the poor judgement, bad vision and goes against the cooperative federalism.
4. Moreover, the hostile attitude towards foreign funded NGO reflect sense of insecurity.
5. Arguments to justify the Government decision.
Policy Precedent
- 2004 policy did not allow to accept foreign aid in times of natural disaster.
- It says the state can deal with the situation on its own.
- Author argue that according to then PM statement this policy doesn’t restrict completely but sought help if needed
- Various document since 2004 have suggested, the government may or may not accept the help during emergencies.
- NDMP plan 2016 says the government may accept the offer, if made voluntary by another country as a goodwill gesture.
- National Policy on Disaster Management of 2009 and Disaster Management of Act 2005 allows to accept the coordination from foreign countries.
- 2009 Policy also says disasters do not recognize geographically boundaries.
6. Another set of arguments falls in context of National Pride.
- India is not a poor country anymore and doesn’t need any charity.
- Statement is misleading as it clearly indicates only poor countries take help. But USA has accepted the help from India in 2005 to deal with Hurricane disaster and China took during Sichuan earthquake.
- It’s been a routine, country dealing with the disaster have accepted the emergency aid irrespective of how rich or poor they are.
7. Next argument says, India being a self-sufficient country do not need any help to deal with natural disaster.
8. But in contrary to this central government has provided only a fraction of assistance despite repeated appeal by Kerala state government and clearly indicated the lack of sufficient fund with center.
9. Another argument is, foreign aid or loans from Western Nation or World Bank will demand India to restructure its economy and government priorities.
10. But there is fundamental difference between funding and humanitarian assistance.
11. Malayali people are important for development in UAE and acceptance of its assistance on humanitarian crisis will only make the bonding strong.
12. On one side government is restricting the operation of foreign funded NGO by enabling Foreign Contribution regulation Act, it recently amended the FCRA to allow foreign funding for political parties.
13. The last argument involve how the monetary aid will help in the absence of administrative capacity for proper distribution, reconstruction and governance.
14. Without focused governance monetary aid could even make the situation worst.
15. It has been argued government decision without consultation from state goes against the spirit of Federalism.
16. India should not seek regular foreign aid, but at the time of humanitarian crisis it should accept as China, US and Japan did in the past.
17. A sensible, practical and empathetic guidelines are required to deal with receiving aid in case of emergency.
