Bhubaneswar, Sept 11: The Centre, on the request of Orissa government, has released in advance Rs 290.40 crore towards the state's share of central taxes and normal central assistance for the month of October, official sources said today. This was done in view of the serious flood situation prevailing in the state and the need of funds to tackle the calamity, the sources said. While Rs 230.35 crore was released towards state's share of central taxes, Rs 60.05 crore had been made available towards normal central assistance. This would help the government in releasing funds for undertaking relief and rehabilitation measures in the flood affected areas.
The state government, in the midst of a serious fiscal crisis, had requested the Centre for advance release of these funds to ensure that overdraft did not become an obstacle in tackling the flood situation, the sources said.

The Centre had earlier released Rs. 47.53 crore towards the state's share of the calamity relief fund in advance though it was due for release in November.

Bureau Report