Kerala exploring borders to collect funds

The State government is breaking borders by reaching across the globe in a gigantic resource mobilisation drive to generate funds for the post-flood relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction programme.

On Friday after speaking with the reporters after a Cabinet meeting. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the large Malayali diaspora in several countries would have a vital records role in funding the programme.

The state's ministers will be visiting countries like UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Germany, the US, and Canada to seek funds from non-resident Keralites and other communities.

Mr. Vijayan said that another campaign will be launched at schools and colleges to collect donations from students. “A lot of children have come forward to offer their savings for relief and rehabilitation of flood victims. The campaign will reach out to students in professional colleges and government, aided, and unaided institutions to raise more funds. CBSE and ICSE schools will also be linked to the campaign.” 

He said citizens and communities across the world had responded well to the proposed rehabilitation and reconstruction programme for flood victims. “Many have donated funds beyond their capacity.” The Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund had received a total of ₹1,026 crore till Thursday, with 4,17,000 donations being made online.