Red Crescent MoU: MEA seeks clarification from Kerala

TNN | Updated: Aug 22, 2020, 07:38 IST

However, such acceptance can be made only with the prior permission of the Centre as UAE Red Crescent is a NGO registered in Abu Dhabi and the recipient of the funds is Life Mission, an organization under the state government.

However, such acceptance can be made only with the prior permission of the Centre as UAE Red Crescent is a NGO...Read More

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Centre has sought clarification from the state government regarding its dealings with UAE Red Crescent Authority – an NGO –for funding projects under Life Mission.
It is reliably learnt that the protocol division of the ministry of external affairs (MEA) has sought clarification from Kerala regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) inked between Life Mission and UAE Red Crescent Authority, in which the authority had pledged funds to the tune of AED 1 cr (approximately Rs 20.37 crore) for building an apartment under Life Mission at Wadakkancherry in Thrissur.

Centre sought some clarifications regarding the mandatory clearance required from MEA and the ministry of home affairs while accepting aid from a foreign agency, it is learnt. Government sources said that the state government will give a reply in this regard soon.
The agreement signed between Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi for UAE Red Crescent Authority and the CEO of the Life Mission on July 11, 2019, had agreed that the NGO will provide AED 1 crore, of which AED 70L (Rs 14.26 crore) was to be spent on constructing homes for flood survivors and the remaining AED 30L (Rs 6.11 crore) was to be used to build a health centre that would be operated by Life Mission.
As per Article 293 (3) of the Constitution, “a state may not without the consent of the government of India raise any loan if there is still outstanding any part of a loan which has been made to the state by the government of India or its predecessor government”.
Also as per the section 3(1) (b) of the foreign contribution (regulation) act, 2010, no foreign contribution shall be accepted by any judge, government servant, employee of any corporation or any other body controlled or owned by the government.
However, such acceptance can be made only with the prior permission of the Centre as UAE Red Crescent is a non-government organisation registered in Abu Dhabi and the recipient of the funds is Life Mission, an organization under the state government.