The Netherlands Minister for Development Cooperation has decided to triple the allocation for Dutch development assistance to Gujarat in view of the impact of the earthquake. Consequently the planned expenditure for the next three years will increase to a total of 247 million Dutch Guilders (appr. R 500 crores) for Gujarat. The Netherlands Minister already made available for relief operations an additional amount of 10.5 million Dutch guilders (appr. R 20 crores).

The assistance will become available for the agreed sectors for Dutch assistance in Gujarat: education, health and rural environment including water supply and water resource management. Dutch development assistance is given as grant and is focussed upon basic needs and social sectors.

Dutch assistance in the reconstruction phase will be implemented in close cooperation both with the central and state authorities and with other donors, especially the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. The application of common standards of design and quality control as well as public accountability will be supported.

Dutch assistance will as much as possible incorporate the present relief and rehabilitation activities in the reconstruction phase in order to prevent gaps in the process to assist the victims. Partnerships with the private sector, non governmental organisations and community based organisations will play a crucial role in the reconstruction.