US' war; 'blessing for India

October 4, 2001

The Pioneer 4 October 2001, New Delhi- Deepak Sharma

AMERICA'S WAR against terrorism has come as a blessing for all US aid projects

in India. After lifting the sanctions, Washington has signaled unprecedented

increase in volume of US Overseas Development Aid to New Delhi.

A confidential note of the Department of Economic Affairs sent to the Prime

Minister's Office says that all US-aided NGOs and development projects in India

are likely to get unprecedented aid as result of both waiver of sanction and as

an expression of appreciation of New Delhi's strong support in the current

American initiative against terrorism. The note of the Finance Ministry reveals

that during discussion with US authorities it was indicated that US AID expects

a substantial increase in volume of ODA to India.

" No figures can be cited now as the Appropriation Bill relating to foreign

assistance is yet to be passed by the US legislators, " the report says.

For instance, Aids control through NACO's Avert programme received funds worth

US $ 41.5 million. Energy Conservation and Management project was given aid of

US $ 25 million.

The officials have also hinted that several other projects like population

control project in UP and child and women care related programme in other states

will get fresh lease.

There is a possibility that new development projects under US Aid for health and

public welfare can also begin.

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Dr. Jagdish Harsh

François-Xavier Bagnoud (INDIA)

E-mail: jamworld@...

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