Focus: GS III: Disaster Management
Why in News?
Recently, the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance released an amount of Rs. 7,532 crores to 22 State Governments for the respective State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF).
State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF):
- Each State has established a State Disaster Response Fund under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
- SDRF serves as the primary fund available to State Governments for responding to officially notified disasters.
Funding Contribution:
- The Central Government contributes 75% of the SDRF for general States and 90% for North-East and Himalayan States.
- The annual Central contribution is disbursed in two equal installments, following the recommendation of the Finance Commission.
Release of Funds:
- Guidelines require the utilization certificate of the previous installment and a report on the activities carried out from SDRF before releasing funds.
- However, due to the urgency of the situation, these requirements were waived during the recent fund disbursement.
Utilization of Funds:
- SDRF funds are designated for immediate relief to victims affected by various calamities such as cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloud bursts, pest attacks, frost, and cold waves.
Allocation Criteria:
- The allocation of SDRF funds to States is based on multiple factors, including past expenditure, geographical area, population, and the disaster risk index.
- These factors reflect the institutional capacity, risk exposure, and hazard vulnerability of each State.
