Search the Internet          Tips

Concept of rehabilitation needs to be understood: Clinton

Former US President Bill Clinton Thursday said the concept of rehabilitation should be properly understood by those seeking to help the quake-hit people of Gujarat.

Talking to representatives of the non-government organisations in an interactive session in Ahmedabad, Clinton said reconstruction could not be construed as rehabilitation.

"A cheque cannot simply change the reality on the ground. What is needed is empowerment of villages concerned and participation of the people in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. In my opinion, by just making available micro-credit to the affected people, we cannot help change their future."

He said the American Indian Foundation, of which he is a trustee, does not have a ready-made solution to the devastation and havoc created by the earthquake.

"We have come here to learn. I have learnt by talking to the quake-hit people in Kutch, walking with them and visiting the injured."

Suggesting that the NGOs should come out with a clear concept for reconstruction and rehabilitation of the quake-affected areas and people, Clinton threw a question at them asking "What would you do if you were in our position and had some money?"

Stating that he was struck seeing the magnitude of devastation in Kutch, the former US President said evolution of a concept on tackling and mitigating disaster would not only be helpful to India but other developing countries also in similar natural catastrophe.

He said, "Back home they had lot of energy and expertise which could be utilised in this regard."

PTI

The Complete Coverage | List of earthquake sites

Back to top

Tell us what you think of this report