As Kerala battles to reconstruct itself after being ravaged with the worst flood in over 80 years, the Supreme Court judges have decided to contribute to the Kerala relief fund, that will be sent to the state.
The judges of the Supreme Court will contribute to the Kerala flood relief fund, Chief Justice Dipak Misra was quoted as saying by NDTV yesterday.
“We are also making some contribution. Judges of this court are also making a contribution for the flood relief fund,” said a bench of the Supreme Court, which comprised of Justices A.M. Khanwilkar, D.Y. Chandrachud and CJI Mishra.
The bench during the hearing of a PIL, which sought to bar lawmakers from in courts across the country made the decision when Attorney General K.K. Venugopal spoke about the “grave tragedy” that had rendered 10 million people homeless, while also claiming more than 300 lives.
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Many other lawyers from across the country have made significant donations to towards the relief fund, with Venugopal himself donating Rs.1 crore to the cause.
Meanwhile, an ambassador from Thailand alleged on Wednesday alleged that the Indian government has taken a stance to refuse any international assisted relief fund for the flood-hit Kerala.
An assistance of Rs 700 crore offered by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the rain-ravaged Kerala was declined by the central Indian government, which refused to accept any overseas donations for the relief fund in Kerala.
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“Informally informed with regret that the Government of India is not accepting overseas donations for Kerala flood relief. Our hearts are with you, the people of Bharat,” Thai Ambassador to India Chutintorn Sam Gongsakdi had tweeted on Tuesday.
But Kerala state finance minister Thomas Isaac hit back at the BJP ruled central government, saying that if the government can’t help, it shouldn’t deny others.
“We asked for 2000 crore, they could give us only 600 crores. So given that, I don’t know why they should deny some government or individual (who can help),” said minister Isaac “See, UAE and Kerala has such a long relationship. In fact, a majority of the population (in UAE) would be Malayalis,”
He added that around three million Indians, 80% of whom hail from Kerala live and work in UAE. The Home Minister had declared a week ago that Indian citizens residing in foreign countries can send their donations to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, which will be tax-free.