The Ministry of Home Affairs has given States the green light to use State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF) to cater for the temporary accommodation, food, clothing, and medical care of homeless individuals, including stranded migrant laborers. This move is a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which the government has chosen to categorize as a “notified disaster.”
Understanding the SDRF
Formed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the State Disaster Response Fund serves as the primary financial resource available to State governments in response to notified disasters. Its purpose is to cover expenditures that arise from providing immediate relief to those affected by such disasters.
The Central Government contributes 75% of the SDRF allocation for general category States and Union Territories. For special category States and Union Territories, such as northeastern States, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre ups its contribution to 90%.
Equal installments of the Central contribution get disbursed twice a year, as recommended by the Finance Commission.
Disasters SDRF Covers
The types of disasters that qualify for assistance under the SDRF are specific. These include cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, pest attacks, frost, and cold waves.
However, there is flexibility built into the SDRF guidelines for State governments. They may utilize up to 10% of the funds available under the SDRF to provide immediate relief to victims of natural disasters. These disasters are ones that the State government deems significant within their local context but are not included in the Ministry of Home Affairs’ notified list of disasters.
Impact of SDRF Use for COVID-19
With the Ministry of Home Affairs now classifying COVID-19 as a ‘notified disaster’, it brings the pandemic within the ambit of relief operable under the SDRF. This move is a critical step in providing immediate assistance and aid to those affected by the pandemic, especially the homeless and migrant laborers who are among the most vulnerable sections of the population.
It’s important to note that the use of SDRF in fighting this public health crisis is not just about containing the virus’s spread. It is also about ensuring the well-being of individuals whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the pandemic. The funds can go into providing temporary accommodation, food, clothing, and medical care to those in need, helping alleviate some of the economic and human impacts of this crisis.
While the road ahead to full recovery remains uncertain, the government’s move to bring COVID-19 under SDRF ensures that the necessary resources are mobilized to respond effectively to the multitude of challenges posed by this unprecedented situation.
SDRF: A Critical Tool in Disaster Management
The usage of SDRF in dealing with COVID-19 underscores its importance as a vital instrument in India’s disaster management strategy. By offering a readily available pool of funds, the SDRF enables State governments to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, helping to minimize their impact and aiding in recovery efforts.
In essence, the SDRF embodies a crucial aspect of disaster management — anticipation, quick response, and adaptation. By allowing States to utilize SDRF funds for COVID-19 relief works, the government has underscored the adaptability of the country’s disaster response apparatus to emerging and unanticipated challenges.
