I thought government relief funds like the PM's and CM's relief funds wouldn't bag much contributions. because of the low credibility government agencies enjoy. But today's Express carries a story by Ritu Sarin saying PM's relief funds has collected Rs 350 crore so far. Rs 35 crore in the last two days. But issues of accountability are still there. I don't think anyone truly believes every paise contributed is actually reaching the needy. The BJP yesterday came out with a suggestion to link contributions from each taluk of the state with an area in TN, so that the money contributed can be tracked and accounted for.
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Thursday, January 6, 2005
Tsunami relief -- credibility question
Like the Gujarat earthquake and the earlier Latur quake, the tsunami waves have in turn opened floodgates of relief. Individuals and organisations are announcing aid for victims. Sometimes I wonder if there is a competitive element in it -- like the "I gave more than him" sort.
Even though there is a lot of skepticism on whether all the money is reaching the affected people, the way people are taking out their cheque books is amazing. I wish people exhibited the same sort of sensitivity at normal times!
One thing I noticed was that generally people distrust the PM's and CM's Relief Fund. Most people I spoke to preferred contributing to relief funds of well-known newspapers or TV channesl -- an indication of the respective levels of credibility. Yesterday, I saw heaps of cheques at my office. Also it feels good that people are trusting the organisation you work for with their cheques.
Sunday, January 2, 2005
Bad miss
This is what you call a bad miss. And, also a cruel paradox.
While India Today and Frontline hit the stands with coverage of Tsunami tragedy, Outlook has the annual double issue. And guess what it screams: 47% Indians say they are very happy. And it's all about happiness, when the nation is still talking about the tidal waves that wreaked havoc.
Since it is a double issue, we will have to wait another week to read it all in Outlook.
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