The ambassador of India to Bhutan, Pavan K Varma, hands over a Nu 250 million cheque to Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley yesterday as contribution to the government’s disaster relief fund.

27 January, 2010 – The ambassador of India to Bhutan, Pavan K Varma, met prime minister Lyonchhoen Jigmi Y Thinley last evening in Thimphu to hand over a Nu 250 million (25 crore) contribution cheque towards the government’s disaster relief fund.

Presenting the cheque the ambassador said that the contribution is a small token of deep concern and assistance to reinforce the effort for the rehabilitation and reconstruction caused by the September 21 earthquake. He also stated that India has been closely watching and appreciating the great efforts made by the government officials in trying to rehabilitate and succor the victims.

The prime minister expressed his deep gratitude to the prime minister and the government of India for their big cheque, which will go a long way to benefit the reconstruction and rehabilitation works. “Our desperation for support and funds equaled the desperation of the young, old and children who are suffering in the cold winter weather,” said the prime minister.

The contribution was promised by the prime minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh on behalf of the government of India to His Majesty during his state visit last month.

The government of India also contributed 100 million in May last year for the rehabilitation program after the destruction and damages caused by cyclone Aila.

The total contribution made by India in the wake of the two disasters is 350 million. The total damages and destruction caused by the September 21 earthquake amounts to approximately 2 billion and 1 billion by cyclone Aila.

The foreign minister Lyonpo Ugen Tshering and finance minister Lyonpo Wangdi Norbu along with senior government officials were also present at the handover.

By Sonam Lhamo