State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Assam for financial year 2023–24 increased to Rs 946 crore

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The allocation of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to Assam for the financial year 2023–24 has increased to Rs 946 crore, with an enhancement of Rs 45 crore. The allocation is in accordance with the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. The SDRF allocation to the state in 2022–23 was Rs 901 crore.

According to sources in the State Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the funding pattern of the SDRF allocation between the Centre and the State Government is 90:10. The Centre releases its 90 percent share of the SDRF in two installments. The department expects the release of the first SDRF installment by the Central Government in June or July.

The State Government utilizes SDRF funds as gratuitous relief (GR) for disaster-affected people, their rehabilitation, and immediate repair and restoration works. With the pre-monsoon rains coming to the state a bit earlier this year and thunderstorms causing much damage in the state, the State Government has decided to release advance SDRF to the districts and subdivisions in advance for gratuitous relief.

Talking to The Sentinel, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Jogen Mohan said, “Thunderstorms lashed various areas of the state yesterday, leading to much damage. Today also, thunderstorms damaged property in various areas in upper Assam. The water levels of some of the rivers in the state have also risen in the past few days. We are assessing the vulnerability of the districts to decide the amount of advance GR funds for them. We will release the funds shortly.”

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