The Lok Sabha was informed that the central government has disbursed Rs 9,578.40 crore to 22 states in the current financial year up to July 15 under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to support communities hit by natural disasters. Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai clarified that these funds, supplemented by the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), provide relief, not compensation for losses, as per the National Policy on Disaster Management (NPDM).

Rai highlighted that state governments bear primary responsibility for disaster management, including relief distribution. However, the Centre supports affected states through SDRF and NDRF as per established norms. Notably, an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has been formed to assess damages in Himachal Pradesh caused by flash floods, cloudbursts, and landslides, without awaiting a formal state memorandum.

The funds aim to bolster relief efforts in states grappling with calamities like floods and landslides, ensuring timely assistance for affected populations. The Centre’s proactive release underscores its commitment to aiding disaster-stricken regions while emphasizing the states’ role in ground-level relief operations.

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