Dubai: Senior officials of Kerala on Thursday said that the chief minister of the flood-hit Indian state has proposed to visit the UAE to seek partnerships with Indian expats, especially Malayalis, in projects to rebuild Kerala.
A section of the Indian media on Thursday reported that the chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other ministers will be visiting foreign countries, where population of Keralites is high, to raise funds for the redevelopment of the areas hit by floods in mid-August.
Vijayan was reportedly scheduled to visit Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah from October 18 to 20.
Speaking to Gulf News from Kerala over phone, two senior officials clarified that the proposed visits of the chief minister are scheduled from October 17 to 21, the first and last dates being the days of arrival and return.
Officials also confirmed that some expats have plans to adopt villages and schools in flood-hit areas, which will be further discussed during the CM’s visit.
“He [Vijayan] is coming to discuss and explore the investment opportunities and involvement of expat Malayalis in various projects to rebuild Kerala,” said Vijayan’s political secretary and former state legislator M.V. Jayarajan.
He said some expat Malayali entrepreneurs have already expressed their wish to adopt Kuttanad panchayat and some others have offered to build schools in Chengannur, two areas among the worst-hit.
“This is part of the crowdfunding initiative to rebuild Kerala. But this is not meant for charity fund raising,” he clarified.
Another senior government official, who did not wish to be named, said: “The CM will showcase the reconstruction and rebuilding projects to overseas Indians and explore the possibilities of their investment.”
“Indians can always contribute to the CM’s Disaster Relief Fund also. If they will send money to the fund, we will happily welcome that also,” he said, appreciating the large contributions of cash and in-kind donations sent to Kerala by Indian expats and others from the UAE soon after the floods.
He said the state government was actively pursuing the procedural formalities to get clearance from the central government and the UAE authorities for the visit. “We are expecting it to be approved in a couple of days,” the official added.
According to sources, Vijayan has proposed to meet with top businessmen and community members in all three emirates. The venues will be announced after the clearances are obtained.
