More than a fortnight after the Kosi river changed its course trapping millions, the industry is waking up to the human tragedy that has overtaken Bihar.
Companies and corporate bodies are still finalising plans to do their bit while many of them are not sure how to channel assistance to the needy revealing the total absence of a mechanism to take relief to the needy in times of disaster.
Among top companies, the Tata group had sent an emissary to meet Chief Minister Nitish Kumar last weekend and was waiting for his return to send their material for assistance. Reliance Industries did not reply to queries on its plans for the flood-ravaged state, while the ArcelorMittal spokesperson said that the company has not taken any step so far.
The companies which have already started sending aid are routing it through the state and district administration. ITC, which has a huge wing dedicated to social responsibility, has been distributing food packets and relief material together with the district administration.
Hindustan Coca Cola Beverages Ltd has also joined in the relief work and its first food packets were sent in a truck on August 31 to Barabanki sub-division of Purnia district. The second truck is to leave on September 5 and will be dedicated to Araria district of Bihar.
The companies are, however, confused at the lack of coordinated effort for reaching out to the flood victims. DS Group, which is known for brands like Catch and Rajnigandha, plans to send cash donations to a news channel which has asked for relief funds.
DS Group is a member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), an industry lobby.
But Federation of industries deny they have been caught napping in the event of a disaster.
The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) has formulated a four-point action plan which comprised immediate relief, fund raising, rehabilitation and policy intervention for the Kosi river. Ficci Secretary General Amit Mitra admitted they were rather helpless at the river changing its course.
As for work done in the last few days, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, MP and president of Ficci, said the federation has already airlifted tents and other materials. Ficci is now busy raising funds and forging tie-ups with NGOs, he added.
“We will replicate the effort done during the Gujarat earthquake when we raised $22 million with the help of a global NGO,” the Ficci president said. The CII has been reaching out to it s 7,500 members but was unable to give a detailed programme of action till late Tuesday.
