Centre asks states to utilise disaster fund in wake of natural calamities

New Delhi: The Centre has said that state government is empowered to undertake necessary relief measures in the wake of natural calamities like drought, hailstorm, pest attack and cold wave frost from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is readily available with them. In case SDRF is exhausted, contingency fund of the State can be utilised.

All State Governments and UT Administrations have been asked to take immediate necessary steps to address the notified calamities by utilising the funds available under SDRF.

If additional finance assistance, over and above SDRF is required, memorandum may be submitted for consideration as per extant procedure/norms for assistance from National Disaster Response Fund.