Lok Sabha Question No. 2206 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-12-20
Subject: Funds Released under NDRF
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Dean Kuriakose

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2206

TO  BE  ANSWERED  ON  THE  20 TH   DECEMBER,  2022/AGRAHAYANA  29,  1944 (SAKA)

FUNDS RELEASED UNDER NDRF

2206.  ADV. DEAN KURIAKOSE:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government maintains a list of works that could be carried out  by  the  State  Governments  by  using  funds  made  available  under  the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c)  whether  the  Government  has  received  any  representation/request  to include  works  like  repair/  reconstruction  of  roads  and  other  infrastructure damaged by disasters;

(d) if so, the details of action taken by the Government in this regard;

(e) whether the Government will take a decision to give autonomy to States on the manner in which funds released under NDRF are to be used; and

(f) if so, the reasons behind this decision?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (f): As per the National Policy on Disaster Management, the primary responsibility  for  disaster  management,  including  disbursal  of  relief  to  the affected  people  on  the  ground  level,  rests  with  the  State  Governments concerned.  The State Governments undertake relief measures in the wake of natural  disasters  from  the  State  Disaster  Response  Fund  (SDRF),  already placed   at   their  disposal,  in  accordance  with  the  Government  of  India's

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2206 FOR 20.12.2022

approved items and norms.  Additional financial assistance is provided from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), as per laid down procedure in case of disaster of 'severe nature', which includes an assessment based on the visit of an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

Based  on  the  recommendations  of  the  15 th   Finance  Commission,  Central Government has framed the guidelines for administration of NDRF and SDRF, which is accessible on the Ministry's website: www.ndmindia.mha.gov.in.

As per the guidelines, the State Executive Committee (SEC) headed by the Chief Secretary is fully responsible to decide on all matters relating to the financing of the relief expenditure from the SDRF/ NDRF,in accordance with the items & norms of expenditure of NDRF/ SDRF. The SEC is also responsible to ensure that the money drawn from the SDRF account is actually utilized for the purposes for which the SDRF account has been set up. The Items and Norms of expenditure are accessible on the Ministry's website: www.ndmindia.mha.gov.in.

From time-to-time requests have been received from some State Governments  for  utilization  of  part  of  NDRF  assistance  for  permanent reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by disasters.  Diversion of approved amount  of  NDRF  for  the  purpose  other  than  admissible  items  is  not permissible under the extant guidelines and items & norm of SDRF/ NDRF. As per the guidelines of NDRF, expenditure from NDRF is meant to assist a State to provide immediate relief  of  temporary nature in cases of severe calamity,

## L.S.US.Q.NO. 2206 FOR 20.12.2022

where  the  expenditure  required  is  in  excess  of  the  balance  in  the  State's SDRF  account. However, expenditure on repair/ restoration works of immediate  nature,  of  damaged  infrastructure  like  roads,  drinking  water supply schemes, minor irrigation schemes, power and community assets are allowed as per extant Items and Norms.

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