The Union government approved ₹1,066.80 crore for Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Kerala, and Uttarakhand on 10 July 2025. These States faced severe floods, landslides, and heavy rainfall during this year’s south-west monsoon. This financial aid comes from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Recent Financial Allocation and Relief Efforts
Assam received ₹375.60 crore, the highest among the six States. Uttarakhand followed with ₹455.60 crore. Kerala was allocated ₹153.20 crore, Meghalaya ₹30.40 crore, Manipur ₹29.20 crore, and Mizoram ₹22.80 crore. These funds form part of a larger release of ₹6,166 crore from the SDRF to 14 States and ₹1,988.91 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) to 12 States in 2025.
Deployment of Rescue Forces
The government deployed 104 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams across 21 States. The Army and Air Force also provided logistical support. This multi-agency deployment ensures effective rescue and relief operations during flood and landslide emergencies.
About the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)
The NDRF was established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, replacing the earlier National Calamity Contingency Fund. It is a non-interest bearing reserve fund placed in the Public Account of India. The fund is used for emergency response, relief, and rehabilitation during disasters that exceed State capacity.
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Centre-State Sharing
The SDRF is the primary fund for States to meet immediate disaster relief expenses. The Centre contributes 75% of the SDRF allocation for general category States and 90% for special category States, including northeastern States, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Sikkim.
Funding Sources and Financial Management
The NDRF is financed mainly through the National Calamity Contingent Duty (NCCD), a cess imposed on specified goods under excise and customs duties. The Finance Bill approves the cess annually. Additional budgetary support is provided as needed. The Comptroller and Auditor General audits the fund’s accounts.
Monitoring and Coordination of Disaster Relief
The Ministry of Home Affairs oversees natural calamities except drought, hailstorms, pest attacks, and frost, which are monitored by the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare. This division ensures specialised and efficient disaster management.
Public Contributions and Legal Framework
Under Section 46(1)(b) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, individuals and institutions can contribute to the NDRF. This provision encourages public participation in disaster management and expands the resource base for emergency response.
Questions for UPSC:
- Point out the role of the National Disaster Response Fund in India’s disaster management framework and how it supplements State efforts during emergencies.
- Underline the constitutional provisions related to the Public Account of India and critically analyse how it impacts government fund management.
- Estimate the challenges faced in coordinating multi-agency disaster relief operations in India and suggest measures to improve efficiency.
- What is the National Calamity Contingent Duty? How does it contribute to disaster financing and what are its implications for fiscal policy?
