New Delhi: In an effort to pave the way for contributions from abroad for restoration and rehabilitation of people adversely hit by severe cyclone Fani, the state government has sought Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Resident commissioner Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra said they have been receiving queries from foreign countries wherein people want to contribute for restoration work. “We have sought FCRA clearance, so that foreign companies or people can also contribute,” Mishra indicated.
“Generally, it takes more than two months to get FCRA clearance but we are hopeful the MHA will give clearance to us within two-three days,” suggested Mishra.
Notably, the FCRA regulates utilisation of foreign contribution from individuals or associations or companies and prohibits utilisation of foreign funds for activities detrimental to the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
The resident commissioner also said the state government has informed the Ministry of Corporate Affairs that funds coming under corporate social responsibility (CSR) shall be given to the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority directly for construction of roads and other infrastructure.
Huge consignments of medicines have also been dispatched to Odisha from New Delhi.
“We have sent 70 tons of medicines for Fani-affected people and in the coming days we will send more consignments of medicines to the state,” he said.
The state government officials, according to the Resident Commissioner, have attended 10 meetings of the National Crisis Management Committee and are continuously in touch with all the departments of the Union government.
