Rebuilding Kerala: State to raise funds from NRKs

The Kerala Government is stepping up mobilisation of resources after the devastating floods and landslides by involving Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) from across the world.

The Cabinet, at a meeting on Thursday night, decided to work with expatriate organisations in different parts of the world to raise funds as the state prepares for a massive rebuilding exercise.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Friday that a minister and officials would be assigned for the campaign.

“The plan is to visit UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Germany, USA and Canada and collect funds from the expatriates,” he said.

The state, according to preliminary estimates, suffered losses of over Rs 20,000 crore. The Chief Minister has since said the losses may exceed the figure.

A fund collection drive will be organised in all 14 districts, between September 10 and 15. Ministers have been identified to undertake the programme. Funds will also be raised from major Indian cities, in association with Malayali organisations.

On September 11, a collection drive will be held in educational institutions across the state for contributions to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). Till August 30, CMDRF has received Rs 1,026 crore; about 4.17 lakh people made their contributions online.

RESTORING PAMPA

The government will expedite measures to rebuild infrastructure in Pampa, on the foothills of Sabarimala, which was battered by the flood. A high-level team headed by Chief Secretary Tom Jose will coordinate the work entrusted with Tata Projects Limited. The pilgrimage season in Sabarimala begins on November 17.

A loan of up to Rs 10 lakh will be provided from banks to small-scale traders affected by the flood. A loan of up to Rs 1 lakh will be provided to families which have lost household appliances. The government will pay interest on this loan.

The Chief Minister said KPMG would be the consultant-partner in efforts to rebuild the state. The global consultant has offered services free of cost.