Kerala Flood Relief: Health Ministry Approves Rs 18.71 Crore Grant to Flood-hit State

Thiruvananthapuram: As a part of the Kerala flood relief, the Health Ministry on Friday approved a sum of Rs 18.71 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM) to the flood-hit state, reported news a

Thiruvananthapuram: As a part of the Kerala flood relief, the Health Ministry on Friday approved a sum of Rs 18.71 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM) to the flood-hit state, reported news agency ANI. The money will be donated to the Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees as requested by the State, stated the Health Ministry.

Health Ministry approves an additional grant of Rs.18.71 crore under National Health Mission (NHM) to #Kerala for disbursing to Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Committees for #KeralaFlood Relief, as per State request. pic.twitter.com/XUciXvQYgO

— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2018

After Kerala witnessed one of the state’s worst floods, people from all over the nation lent helping hands by providing relief materials and funds. The Delhi Police has agreed to provide a solatium of Rs 1 Crore towards the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to benefit those affected by the Kerala floods. The police department managed to raise the colossal amount from the salary of the Delhi police employees.

Delhi Police to give Rs 1 Crore to Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for #KeralaFloods. The amount is collected from the salary of Delhi police employees. pic.twitter.com/YjJShqsN8B

— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2018

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju reportedly said that the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) accepts donations from volunteers including individuals and organisations. Moreover, the contributions made have the tax benefit under section 80G. “For non-governmental organisations (NGOs), it depends if they have an exemption under the Income Tax Act. If so, 80G allows 50 per cent tax benefit,” stated Kiren Rijiju.

Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Issac on Friday announced to bring in a special lottery to raise funds towards the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). The ticket is expected to cost around Rs 250, said Issac. With the draw taking place on 3rd October, the proceeds from the lottery will be given to the CMDRF. The minister announced, “The lottery has been named ‘Ashwas’ and there would be the first prize of Rs 1 lakh in each series and Rs 5,000 for 108,000 tickets.”

Financial Aid from UAE

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a tweet on August 21 that Kerala will receive the Rs 700 crore relief fund offered by UAE.

CM Pinarayi Vijayan informed that the United Arab Emirates will provide Kerala an assistance of ₹700 Crore. Kerala has a special relationship with UAE, which is a home away from home for Malayalees. We express our gratitude to UAE for their support. #KeralaFloodRelief pic.twitter.com/yfwbt9iEkd

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 21, 2018

Soon after, a massive debate erupted between the Centre and the State over the acceptance of the 700 crore relief fund promised by UAE to India. While the State urged the Centre to accept foreign aid, the Centre took an opposite stand. However, in a major twist, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday reportedly said that no official announcement has been made to grant the relief fund for the flood-ravaged Kerala.

The incessant rainfall in the State over the last two weeks claimed the lives of nearly 200 people and caused a major disruption to the infrastructure.