Giving when it hurts
The government’s announcement that it will allow full tax deduction for contributions made in support of the ongoing relief operations in the earthquake affected eastern region should give a boost to the ongoing donation drive.
Apart from providing an avenue to express solidarity with the thousands affected, it should encourage the moneyed section of society as well as business and corporate bodies that can make substantial contributions, to come forward in the hour of need.
The overwhelming response to buy shares of the Bhutan Insurance limited is a clear indication that, if not everyone, there are some people with ready cash to put somewhere.
Besides the large contributions, every small contribution will also add to the pool. The amount raised will definitely make a difference. For example, if every civil servant contributed Nu 1,000 each, it would come to about Nu 18 million. Such a sum could give speed and reach to the relief operations.
The government’s coffers, on the other hand, are not overflowing. Rather it appears more empty than full. It is another reminder that we are a poor country with limited resources and limited technical know how to deal with such situations.
This limitation, the rugged terrain and the continuous aftershocks are perhaps the reasons why starting the reconstruction process is taking a while. Two weeks have elapsed since the ground beneath shook. The prevailing conditions in the affected areas are not making it any more easier.
Initial estimates by the government have put compensation figures for thousands of damaged homes at a few hundred million ngultrums. These are obviously based on the categorization of homes under the rural insurance scheme that is paid for by the government and managed by the royal insurance corporation of Bhutan limited. It is more about how damage is assessed rather than the damage done and it is usually a tricky and not always a satisfying process. Still many feel that the people affected have lost much more than the physical structure of their homes.
This makes it all the more important that the contributions made by people within and outside the country reach the people they are meant for. How the funds are raised and used must be monitored and accounted for. There are always a few, who will try to cash in on the situation.
Source: kuenselonline