( 1 ) ). ON the morning of 26th January 2001, an earthquake of a high magnitude, more than 7 on Richter Scale, shook whole of Gujarat and more devastatingly of its entire Kutch district, leaving thousands dead, injured, crippled, orphaned and homeless. The Government was unprepared to meet such unforeseen natural calamity and still finds it difficult through its inadequate machinery to carry out the stupendous task of rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the quake victims.

( 2 ) ). In such calamity and adversity, the entire Nation has shown compassion and co-operation by extending help and providing relief material in kind and cash to the victims. It is a divine wrath, but turned into blessing in the sense that in facing the calamity the helping hands extended by people all over the world in the shape of help and support has united the people and brought to surface the inherent virtues and qualities of human being. There has been an exemplary display of fellowship, co-operation, mutual help and love from all over the world regardless of class, caste, creed and cultural differences. Not only from within the Nation, but from all over the world from different co