(a) whether the relief materials meant for Tsunami victims in India for dispatch to Tamil Nadu got struck at Wagah border for few days;
(b) if so, the details and the reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps taken by the Government to clear the relief materials for the benefit of the Tsunami victims and the steps taken to simplify the red tapism in the event of such emergent situation?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)
(a) & (b): Ten trucks carrying relief material sent by a Holland based NGO `Stitching Motherhood` arrived by road at Attari Road LCS on 04.02.2005. It was intimated by the said NGO that the relief material was meant for delivery to a Chennai based organization `Karunalaya Social Service Society`. This society filed Bill of Entry, as well as requisite papers only on 8.2.2005 and the whole consignment was cleared by the Customs that day itself.
(c): Ministry of Home Affairs vide notification No.II/21022/11(19)/2004-FCRA-I dated 30.12.2004, granted exemption under Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 1976 to all associations (other than a political party) having a definite cultural, economic, educational, religious or social Progamme to accept foreign contribution, in cash and kind, for providing relief to the Tsunami victims without obtaining a formal approval of the Central Government subject to conditions mentioned therein.
Exemption from duty for import of relief material in the shape of donations and gifts etc. already exist under the Ministry of Finance Notification No.148/94-Cus, dated 13.7.2004, (as amended) subject to conditions mentioned therein.