(Image source from: Mathrubhumi English)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday addressed representatives of the Malayali association in the United States through video conference, seeking donations to rebuild the state.

He carried out the video conference after center denied permission to state ministers to visit overseas countries to raise funds for Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

He urged Keralites in the U.S. to make considerable contributions to rebuild the state which was destructed in the floods.

"Malayali associations in the U.S. should strive to ensure participation of every member to raise funds for Kerala," he told the representatives.

Minister Thomas Issac was assigned to visit the U.S. to raise funds to CMDRF, but as the center refused to grant permission for the visit, Chief Minister communicated with the representatives of U.S. Malayali associations through video conference.

"Expats in UAE (United Arab Emirates) have shown great interest to donate a month's salary to CMDRF. For the government, each and every penny to CMDRF is of great value. Everyone should make contributions according to their financial status," said the chief minister.

The crowdfunding portal, rebuild.kerala.gov.in, would help to select projects for which people would like to offer financial support. Through this portal, individuals can sponsor a house, school, Anganwadi or primary health centers.

-Sowmya Sangam