The High-Level Committee, chaired by Union Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Cooperation Amit Anilchandra Shah, on Wednesday approved an additional ₹1,554.99 crore in central assistance under the National Disaster Response Fund for five states that have suffered due to natural calamities in 2024. The funding aims to provide relief to regions affected by floods, flash floods, landslides, and cyclonic storms.
As part of the approved financial aid, Andhra Pradesh will receive ₹608.08 crore, Nagaland ₹170.99 crore, Odisha ₹255.24 crore, Telangana ₹231.75 crore, and Tripura ₹288.93 crore. The funds will be disbursed from the National Disaster Response Fund, and 50 percent of the opening balance available in the State Disaster Response Fund will be adjusted accordingly.
This assistance is in addition to the financial support already allocated to states through the State Disaster Response Fund. In the 2024-25 financial year, the central government has released ₹18,322.80 crore to 27 states under the State Disaster Response Fund. Furthermore, ₹4,808.30 crore has been disbursed from the National Disaster Response Fund to 18 states to strengthen disaster response measures. Additionally, ₹2,208.55 crore has been allocated from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund to 14 states, while ₹719.72 crore has been provided from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund to eight states.
The decision to provide additional financial assistance comes after the affected states faced severe natural calamities, causing large-scale devastation and disruption. The Central Government deployed Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to assess the damage in these states without waiting for a formal request, ensuring a swift response to the crisis.
The government’s commitment to disaster relief reflects its focus on providing timely financial assistance to states in need. The National Disaster Response Fund serves as a crucial mechanism for supporting disaster-hit regions, complementing the funds available through the State Disaster Response Fund and mitigation initiatives. By approving this additional aid, the Centre aims to strengthen recovery efforts and provide essential resources to rebuild affected areas.
With natural disasters continuing to pose a significant challenge, the allocation of funds underscores the Centre’s proactive approach in supporting state governments in managing relief, rehabilitation, and preparedness measures. The latest financial package is expected to expedite relief operations and infrastructure restoration, ensuring that affected regions receive the necessary aid to recover from the disasters.
