Tuesday, January 25 2005 09:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Government yesterday (Jan 24, 2005) said that India might not require any foreign assistance for rehabilitation work in tidal wave affected areas of the country.

This was stated by Home Minister Shivraj Patil during a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee attached to his Ministry, an official spokesman said in New Delhi.

The members were told that private individuals and companies have been helping the affected people. Some of them were willing to construct temporary as well as permanent shelters and they would be allowed to do so, the spokesman said and added that the State Governments would be asked to communicate with them and obtain their assistance.

The multilateral financial institutions were talking to officers of the Government for long-term assistance, he said and added that a decision was expected to be taken shortly.

"As far as assistance from foreign countries is concerned, the members were told that at present, India might not need such assistance," the spokesman said.

The rescue and relief phase was over and now steps were being taken to provide shelter for intermediate period, the members were told.

A warning system was likely to be developed and the available technologies would be used for the purpose, he said and added that the members were also briefed about the Disaster Management Law likely to be tabled in Parliament soon.

The Consultative Committee members were appreciative of the work done by the Centre and the State Government in the wake of Tsunami disaster.

While acknowledging the good work, the members want the Government to work for the rehabilitation and reconstruction work and that should be done with same zeal and enthusiasm.

The members suggested that the rumours relating to the earthquake should be dealt with in a proper manner.

The members also wanted to know as to what was being done to provide help and protection to the children, widows, the aged and other persons, the spokesman said and added that they were of the view that the funds, which would be made available, should be properly utilised.

Those present at the meeting were P C Alexander, D K Malaisami, P A Sangma, Brajesh Pathak, Debabrata Biswas and others. Patil led the Government side. Ministers of State, Secretaries and Joint Secretaries, handling the Tsunami disaster, were also present.