New Delhi: The Narendra Modi government on Wednesday cited a 2004 UPA decision on foreign assistance to turn down offers of Kerala flood aid from various countries although the National Disaster Management Plan 2016 allows the Centre to accept such help.
The move triggered allegations of "policy confusion" from the CPM that heads the state government.
Breaking its silence on such offers after Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced on Tuesday that the UAE had offered Rs 700 crore to help the flood-hit state, the external affairs ministry issued a statement late on Wednesday night that did not specifically say India was turning down the helping hand.
Instead, it cited "existing policy" to say the government can meet the requirements on its own, adding that contributions to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome.
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