NEW DELHI, Mar 13 : The Centre has approved an additional financial assistance of over Rs 330 crore for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to undertake relief and restoration measures in the wake of natural calamities that struck last year.
The fund was cleared by a High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, which sanctioned a total assistance of Rs 1,912.99 crore to six states and Union Territories affected by floods, landslides, and Cyclone ‘Montha’.
An official told that Rs 330.34 crore has been allocated to Jammu and Kashmir from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). The release clarified that the payout is subject to the adjustment of 50 per cent of the opening balance available in the respective State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) accounts.
Among other states, the committee approved Rs 341.48 crore for Andhra Pradesh, Rs 15.70 crore for Chhattisgarh, Rs 778.67 crore for Gujarat, Rs 288.39 crore for Himachal Pradesh, and Rs 158.41 crore for Nagaland.
The government reiterated its commitment to standing with the states and UTs during natural disasters, ensuring all necessary support for relief and rehabilitation.
This assistance is in addition to the funds already released to states under the existing disaster management framework. According to official data, the Centre has released Rs 20,735.20 crore to 28 states under SDRF and Rs 3,628.18 crore to 21 states under NDRF during the current financial year. Additionally, funds have been disbursed under mitigation measures to bolster disaster preparedness across the country the official further added. (KNS)
