The United Arab Emirates has announced aid to the tune of 700 Crore to The Flood-Hit Kerala to tide over the crisis. Nearly Three Million Indians work in the UAE and out of them, 80% are from Kerala. So, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi felt his moral responsibility to help Kerala in this current crisis.
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This is more than what the Central Government has offered (100 Crore + 500 Crore) so far to Kerala. The GoI has come under severe criticism for this. Modi Government is accused of being insensitive to Kerala which has a non-BJP government. In the wake of this, there are reports that Government of India may refuse to accept the assistance of UAE and the aid of any other country for that matter.
The Government of India says there is an old precedent since 2004 on not accepting foreign-aid. Back then, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was the Prime Minister had said that India could manage on its own. He further said that if the need arose, then India would think of accepting financial aid from foreign countries.
However, People demand Modi Government to revisit this policy as the GoI is being too choosy in helping the states in distress. We have seen how Andhra Pradesh was promised of 1000 Crore initial relief during Hudhud Cyclone but was only given 600 Crore at the end.
