Donate generously to help J&K: PM to nation

Stating that ‘‘it is in our culture to help one’s own neighbours in an hour of need,’’ he said that ‘‘the government of India has also offered help and assistance to the government of Pakistan.’’

The PM’s media advisor Sanjaya Baru said a website was being opened to record all contributions made towards the J&K relief effort so that funds donated to the cause are earmarked for the purpose. He said that Ashim Khurana, Joint Secretary (Disaster Management), had been designated as the nodal person for relief related contributions.

The Principal Secretary to Prime Minister also chaired a meeting today of representatives of industry associations, including CII, FICCI, Assocham, PHDCCI. The industry has already pledged aid amounting to Rs 25 crore. Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh governments will exempt all relief material from VAT.

Meanwhile J&K health department has sent the Union Health Ministry a list of its requirements: equipment worth Rs 10 crore is needed for the Bone and Joint Hospital Trauma Care unit in Srinagar.

‘‘We are planning to send essential equipment tomorrow,’’ said P K Hota, Health Secretary.

Meanwhile, a team of 46 doctors is leaving for J&K tomorrow. The Ministry has already sent medicine worth Rs 25 lakh. Another consignment of medicine worth Rs 4 crore will be sent in a day or two.