Reallocation of State Disaster Response Fund to GR (F) head necessitated

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State Revenue and Disaster Management department is contemplating on re-appropriating funds to GR(F) (Gratuitous Relief-Flood) heads from other heads of SDRF (State Disaster Response Fund).

When funds for were allocated for the two GR(F) heads under the SDRF during the formulation of the State Budget, flood was very much in sight, but not COVID-19. The total allocations for the two GR(F) heads were Rs 43.22 crore and Rs 95 crore, totaling to Rs 138.22 crore for fiscal 2020-21. The total allocation of SDRF during this fiscal was Rs 858 crore. The funding pattern for SDRF is 90:10 (90 per cent by the Centre and 10 per cent by the State government).

However, in the past two months during the outbreak of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown, the State government had to supply food to the affected people, stranded workers and others. As if to cap it all, the first wave of floods hits the State early. Both floods and COVID-19 have cost GR(F) heads Rs 106.61 crore till May 28. Now the two GR(F) heads are left with just Rs 31.61 for the remaining ten months of the fiscal. More waves of floods are on the cards and COVID-19 too is to stay at least for a few months. The amount left with the GR(F) heads is too meagre to face the twin problem of floods and COVID. This has compelled the department to re-appropriate funds from other heads of SDRF to GR(F) to tide over the situation. The department is set to move the State Finance Department for approval of re-appropriation of funds.