The Union Government has released second grants-in-aid (GIA) installment of Rs 389.25 crore towards Central share in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to undertake relief and restoration activities in the cyclone and floods-hit regions in the State.
While the State Government had made a request in this regard, the Department of Expenditure in the Ministry of Finance issued the release order November 9, according to Special Relief Commissioner Bishnupada Sethi. In his official communiqué to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Chief Secretary AP Padhi had given details about how the Cyclone Titli’ and subsequent floods ravaged parts of the State between October 11 and 13, 2018.
He too mentioned about how prompt measures like relief and restoration works were to be taken out of the funds available in SDRF.
He had also informed that a preliminary Central assistance of Rs 2,014.09 crore had been sought by the State Government.
The Chief Minister had also sought release of an interim relief of Rs 1,000 crore to undertake the relief measures.
As the funds available in the SDRF have almost been exhausted, the Union Government should release second installment of Central share of Rs 389.25 crore to the SDRF in advance so that relief and restoration works can be undertaken and agricultural inputs can be provided to affected farmers.
