CM Vijayan urges Indian expats to donate a month's salary to rebuild Kerala

The Kerala CM is on a four-day visit to the UAE.

In a big push for his New Kerala initiative, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called on the Indian expats in the UAE to donate a month's salary to help rebuild the flood-battered state of South India.
"I am not asking everyone to contribute a full month's salary. But I request you to donate whatever little you can. Some people can only donate a week's salary. Others may be able to give Dh10. But every little bit counts, and if all of you cooperate, it will result in a massive fund mobilisation to rebuild a new Kerala of our dreams," Vijayan said on Wednesday.
The chief minister, who is on a four-day visit to the UAE, was addressing a gathering of Indian businessmen at a function organised by the Indian Business and Professional Group (IBPG) in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening. M.A. Yousuf Ali, chairman of Lulu Group; Indian businessmen B.R. Shetty; and other dignitaries and representatives of expat social organisations also attended the event.
Earlier, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and head of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), received Vijayan and his accompanying delegation at Al Nakheel Palace in Abu Dhabi.
Welcoming the Kerala leader, Sheikh Hamdan said that the UAE is committed to be always a leader in the humanitarian work field and give a hand to the needy, particularly in emergency. He added that the ERC is all set to provide all kinds of support and assistance to the state of Kerala and its people.
"The UAE leaders and people have followed the humanitarian catastrophe that the state of Kerala was exposed to due to the floods and torrential rain with great concern, and reacted at both government and people's level," said Sheikh Hamdan.
Sheikh Hamdan also expressed his hope that Vijayan's visit would further strengthen the fraternal ties between the UAE and Kerala. Both leaders also discussed ways to boost relations and exchanged views on a number of international and regional issues of common interest.
At the evening function, Vijayan said though there were a few unfortunate allegations connected with his government's 'salary challenge', majority of the government employees had responded positively.
He said there is a huge gap between the actual amount of Rs27,000 crores that the flood-hit state needs for reconstruction and rebuilding, and what the government of India has offered so far, and what is expected in future as financial support.
"Earlier we had hopes that the central government will review its stand that states cannot accept foreign aid. In my last meeting with the Prime Minister, I had put forth the request. But now, there is no hope and that door is closed in front of us. Hence, we have to explore other avenues for fundraising." Vijayan also called on the Indian businesses to make advantage of the investor-friendly climate in the state, and put in their hard-earned money to open small and medium scale industries in Kerala.  
Dr Illangovan, principal secretary of Norka (Non-Resident Keralite Department), who is accompanying the chief minister, told Khaleej Times that the visit aims to give offer avenues to NRKs to participate in the rebuilding efforts of the state.
On Thursday, the visiting chief minister will address a gathering of 2,500 people at a public meeting to be held at the India Social and Cultural Centre in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, will be the chief guest at the event. The Kerala leader will also hold public and business meetings in Dubai and Sharjah on October 19 and 20 respectively.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com
(With inputs from Wam)
 

• UAE
• India