Release of Centre's share of disaster relief fund worth over 7000cr approved

Twenty-three states shall receive Rs 7,274.40 crores in advance now that the Centre has approved the release of the second instalment of its share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The decision was made as part of the Centre's initiative to facilitate state governments to have enough funds in their SDRF to tackle any emergencies borne out of a disaster. The decision was taken by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The second instalment amounting to 1,599.20 crores has already been disbursed to five states, says a statement released by the ministry.

On September 25, the Central government had issued an order revising the terms and norms of assistance under the SDRF. It made provisions for compensating families of those who succumbed to COVID-19 and to implement the guidelines issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on September 11, complying with the Supreme Court order dated June 30.

In the current financial year, states shall have Rs 23,186.40 crores in their SDRF, including the state's share. This is not including the opening balance already available in the SDRF.

The amount will be used to compensate the families who lost their kin to Covid, as well as to provide relief for victims of other calamities.