NGO against free rice distribution

PALU, Central Sulawesi: A non-governmental organization is refusing to disburse 600 tons of rice aid from the Italian government because it says doing so will make the recipients lazy.

Sehati Foundation chairman Iskandar Lamuka rejected the plan from the Central Sulawesi Social Affairs Office to distribute the aid, earmarked for people in the conflict-ravaged province.

He said doing so would make the people lazy and reliant on aid.

"We have accomplished half of the recovery program so the situation is improving. Therefore the government should stop giving free handouts because it will not discipline the people," he said.

Iskandar said the rice should instead be distributed to government workers involved in the development programs.

"The people should be motivated to take the initiative to revive their economic potential so that they empower themselves," he said.

The rice has been stored in the provincial warehouse. --Antara