Joint Effort to Combat Indian Famine
Diocesan Press Service. April 6, 1966 [42-11]
JOINT EFFORT TO COMBAT INDIAN FAMINE
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Anglican and other relief agencies in India are to set up a Joint Food Development Organization in order to help combat one of worst famines in that country in the twentieth century, it was announced March 18 after a meeting called by the National Christian Council of India and the Roman Catholic Indian Social Institute.
This organization has been formed not only to provide immediate relief for famine victims but also to help eradicate the underlying causes of the problem. Priorities for the campaign will include the development of water resources, the importation of fertilizers and the provision of improved seeds. Tractors and mechanics trained to service them are also badly needed.
The new Joint Food Development Organization would provide a single channel through which aid to famine victims can flow and be able to provide teams of technicians to advise on projects. It would expedite operations, eliminate uncertainty, cut down delays and provide for a single, responsible administration of funds.
Much is already being done, but more help is urgently needed. The World Council of Churches has issued an appeal to its member churches for $3,000,000 which was synchronized with others made by Pope Paul VI and the United Nations.
Episcopalians aid Church World Service, the WCC's relief arm, through The Presiding Bishop's Fund for World Relief and Inter-Church Aid.