Kerala Flood: Union Minister AJ Alphons Disagrees With Centre, Says State Needs UAE Aid

Alphons has pleaded even with the common man to loosen his purse strings for Kerala.

New Delhi: Even as the Centre continues to dig its heels in and insist its policy doesn’t allow for foreign donations for Kerala, there is a voice of dissent from within, said media reports on Thursday. According to reports, Union minister KJ Alphons has said the flood-ravaged state needs UAE’s aid of Rs 700 crore. While he clarified that the ‘no foreign aid’ policy was inherited from the previous governments, who did not accept any aid even during the 2004 tsunami and Uttarakhand tragedy in 2013, Alphons also appealed for a “one-time exception” to allow overseas assistance.

“I spoke to many ministers regarding this. I think we need foreign aid. I have requested them to make a one-time exception for Kerala so that the state can access foreign aid. I have made a humble request as I can only request. The decision is theirs. This is my position,” Alphons told a leading news portal. He added, “I appeal to all Indians to take out their cheque books to donate as much as they can as Kerala needs enormous amounts of money. What the Govt of India has issued in flood relief is more than adequate for now. There is enough money for immediate rescue and relief.” (Also read: Kerala Turns to SC, Says TN Didn’t Pay Heed to Request to Keep Dam Water Level in Check)

While turning down the UAE’s offer, the Centre had maintained that individuals, NGOs and such entities could donate to the Chief Minister’s and Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. The Centre’s decision has been criticised by the state government and even the Opposition there. Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac had criticised the BJP-led government over the refusal of aid and said the rain-ravaged southern state had asked the Centre for a financial support of Rs 2,200 crore, but was granted only Rs 600 crore. “We asked Union Gov for financial support of ₹2200 Cr ; they grant us a precious ₹600 Cr . We make no request to any foreign gov but UAE gov voluntarily offer ₹700cr. No, says Union gov, it is below our dignity to accept foreign aid. This is a dog in the manger policy,” he tweeted. Meanwhile, the Centre has issued a statement explaining that the Rs 600 crore released for Kerala is just an interim help and more would be given once the Government has assessed the situation again.