Report on the Tsunami: Cuddalore

An IAS officer friend told us a few weeks after the tragedy, when things were just about being sorted out, that they had to devote some energy and effort to handle the NGOs who `wanted to do something/anything`. No one wanted to clear the garbage. Some of the volunteers needed water/food/protection.... items meant for the villagers had to be shared with them....perhaps it`s a good idea for the NGOs to co-operate with the government rather than do as they please. No doubt, there are a few who are doing wonderful work, but many add to the confusion in an emergency situation. And when the government officials get firm, they go whimpering to the Press which rarely prints anything good about the government. I think our press needs to highlight the good work done by the `Anus`, too.

Harimau:

Thank you for this. Besides, of course, bringing back memories of these places, you have raised several issues:

1. Should civil servants be allowed a free hand when dealing with such non-political calamitous events since politicians like to give any effort a party-affiliation touch?
2. In such a case, how does one deal with State-sponsored funding? Should NGOs be given charge of that?
3. Why is it that in a place like Pondicherry the relief efforts were quicker? Was the Aurobindo Ashram involved in any way?
4. While it is true that organisations like the RSS (I have maintained that the ambulance service provided by the SS in Mumbai is commendably efficient) are there when they are needed, one must not see that as the relevance of their political leanings; for the purpose they serve they ought to be seen as apolitical.
5. Most people do not know what is needed. It is fine if they want their names mentioned (what about large newspapers that put in a piddly amount and get the credit for starting a relief fund?), but they should be told quite clearly what is required. And there must be some form of standardisation by of lists of what is needed and where.

And I really think you should have been charged for that CD! Seriously, most organisations spend huge amounts on overheads.

PS: I chuckled when I read about the women who kept standing when you entered because that is the power of a reasonably well-dressed man. Not everyone gets treated this way, alas. In fact, it has quite the opposite effect because being in a government office naturally empowers everyone, from the peon upwards.

damn khamy!!!

my apologies to Anu for the sloppiness

grrrrrhhhhhh

[more power to the Anus of the world] - temporal.

...what fun if anu george reads it...hehehehe...

#1 Sorry whats anus of the world?

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. You are right about IAS officers. They start out full of enthusiasm and idealism but are soon brought in line with the realities of offcialdom and political interference, if not by the needs of a growing family.
Do you know if India is getting any of the billions of dollars raised throughout the world to help with the long-term rehabilitation? If not, is it because India is reluctant to claim a share of it?

Harimau:

good write up

more power to the Anus of the world

idealism tempered with realism triumphs if unhindered

rgds

t