Corona Virus: India declares COVID-19 as “notified Disaster”
With more than 80 confirmed COVID-19 cases, India has declared “notified Disaster”. With this, the SDRF funds are to be temporarily used for supply of food, medical care and water for patients in quarantine camps.
Why the Notification?
Under Disaster Management Act, 2005, the SDRF funds shall be used only for cyclone, earthquake, drought, landslide, hailstorm, cloudburst, avalanche, frost, pest attack and cold waves. Critical Medical conditions or pandemic situations were not under the notified disaster lists. Therefore, the Central Government has included COVID-19 outbreak under notified Disaster. This will now enable the state government to utilize the funds for treating Corona Virus.
SDRF Funds
SDRF funds are State Disaster Response Funds. The SDRF funds were constituted by Disaster Management Act, 2005. It was recommended by 13th Finance Commission.
Key Features of SDRF Funds
The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) of India audits the funds every year. The Ministry of Home Affairs is the nodal agency that oversees the utilization of the funds. The aggregate size of SDRF for each state is recommended by Finance Commission.
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Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020