A concerning revelation has surfaced from Muscat, Oman, regarding funds collected from the Indian community in 2019 for Kerala flood relief. An investigation by Times of Oman has discovered that the substantial amount, gathered through Indian schools across the Sultanate, never reached the victims of the devastating floods in Kerala. Instead, these funds are now being utilized for the betterment of Indian schools within Oman itself, a decision sparking both relief and controversy.
The Initial Collection for Kerala Flood Relief
Following the catastrophic floods that ravaged Kerala in 2019, the Indian Social Club (ISC), Muscat, spearheaded a fundraising initiative to provide much-needed assistance. Recognizing the widespread impact and urgency of the situation, the ISC was officially authorized to collect contributions from the Indian diaspora and transfer them directly to the Government of Kerala. Indian schools throughout Oman actively participated, serving as collection points for willing donors, primarily Indian students and their families.
The funds, estimated to be in the thousands of Omani Rials, were received with the understanding that they would contribute to the rebuilding efforts in Kerala. However, the money remained untouched in the custody of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman for over six years, leading to questions about its prolonged dormancy and ultimate fate. This delay and subsequent redirection have fueled a debate about accountability and the responsible allocation of charitable donations.
Why the Funds Remained Unutilized
Syed Salman, Chairman of the Board, explained the complex situation. The Board, while actively facilitating the collection process as requested by the ISC, lacked the independent authority to remit funds internationally. “The funds were collected in 2019 in response to a request from the Indian Social Club,” he stated. “Despite repeated follow-ups, the ISC was unable to confirm the utilization mechanism or provide transfer instructions.”
According to prevailing regulations and the Board’s own mandate, any direct financial transfer outside of Oman required explicit authorization, which was never forthcoming from the ISC. This bureaucratic hurdle, combined with the lack of clear direction, effectively froze the funds for an extended period. The situation was further complicated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Strain on Indian Schools and the Decision to Redirect
The COVID-19 pandemic had a severe economic impact on many families in Oman, directly affecting school fee payments – the primary revenue source for these community-run institutions. Schools, especially those located in interior and remote areas like Masirah, Khasab, Thumrait, Rustaq, Duqm, and Saham, found themselves facing significant financial pressures.
These schools often operate with limited resources and cater to smaller student populations, yet they remain committed to providing accessible education. Recognizing the mounting challenges, the current Board undertook a comprehensive review of the unutilized flood relief funds. Ultimately, they voted to redirect the resources towards addressing urgent infrastructural needs and supporting student welfare initiatives within the Indian school system in Oman. This decision, whilst serving an immediate need, had to address the original intention of the donation.
Transparency and Accountability
The Board emphasizes that the decision was made with utmost transparency and a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility. Syed Salman asserted that the redirection doesn’t represent impropriety but rather a pragmatic solution to bolster the Indian educational landscape in Oman. He added, “This ensures that contributions originally made by the community are reinvested back into the same community.”
He further explained that the funds will be “strictly and exclusively” used for student welfare and educational purposes. The utilization plan aims to bridge the gap between well-equipped schools in the capital and those in more remote regions, ensuring equitable access to quality education for all Indian children in Oman. The Board has committed to full accountability in the allocation and expenditure of these funds.
Addressing Concerns and Looking Ahead
While the decision to redirect the Kerala flood relief money has been met with some criticism, the Board maintains that it represents the best course of action given the circumstances. The funds, having remained idle for an extended period due to logistical issues, are now being put to use to address critical needs within the Indian community in Oman.
The situation highlights the importance of clear communication and well-defined procedures when organizing international charitable donations. It also underscores the financial vulnerabilities of community schools, particularly in the wake of global crises. Moving forward, it is crucial for organizations involved in fundraising to establish robust mechanisms for fund disbursement and to ensure greater transparency and accountability to donors.
The Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman has reaffirmed its dedication to accountability and the well-being of its students, promising diligent and responsible use of the redirected funds. This is a complex situation demanding attention to ensure that future fundraising efforts are more effective and that donations reach their intended beneficiaries promptly and efficiently. Further updates regarding the specific allocation of the funds to individual schools are expected to be released soon.
