(Rajyashree Guha, May 6) Non-profits headed by overseas Indians have stepped in to aid India’s fight against the Covid-19 devastation. They are procuring equipment, medical supplies and raising funds in myriad ways. However, their efforts struggle to reach India’s hinterland because of the September amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, which disallows sub-grants to smaller NGOs from larger bodies. The government is mulling to waive these curbs.
Here’s how NGOs led by the Indian diaspora are contributing.
- Sewa International and Indiaspora are raising $10 million and $1 million respectively.
- The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) has raised $2 million from its members to send oxygen supply instruments.
- American India Foundation is helping with cold storage equipment, oxygen and medical beds.
- International Association of Human Values is supporting a campaign by Art of Living Foundation to support daily wage workers.
- Association for India’s Development is delivering groceries and providing support through helplines and help desks in rural India.
- Khalsa Aid International has already sent oxygen concentrators and is set to bring in 300 units of medical equipment.
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