Politics

Kerala floods: Centre likely to 'politely refuse' UAE aid of Rs 700 crore, says report

Updated : August 22, 2018 11:15 AM IST

The Narendra Modi government is likely to "politely refuse" any financial aid from foreign governments, including the Rs 700 crore offered by United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the flood-affected Kerala, according to a Business Standard report.

“The central government is of the stand that Kerala can take help from individuals abroad. But if any government is ready to help, we should not take it,” the report quoted a senior official from the finance ministry of Kerala.

The news report further said that the Indian government has not given a positive response on the UAE government's offer of aid and the government may rely on domestic efforts.

“The Government of India has taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts to tide over the challenge," the report quoted a document.

Also, the state government has been asked to get the centre's nod before taking any offer.

“We are specifically told that if any offer comes directly, we should get clearance from the Centre,” said the ministry official.

The report comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked his UAE counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for offering flood relief support to Kerala on August 18.

Meanwhile, the Pinarayi Vijayan government has pegged losses from the flood at Rs 25,000 crore.

In a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, the government also decided to demand Rs 2000 crore in a special relief package.

The Centre has declared the deluge as ‘calamity of severe nature.’ So far, the Centre has declared an assistance of Rs 600 crore to the state. Apart from central assistance, many other state governments, corporate firms and individuals have also contributed to relief funds.

Kerala floods: Centre likely to 'politely refuse' UAE aid of Rs 700 crore, says report

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