In a bid to enable state governments combat the Coronavirus outbreak, the Centre today released Rs 11,092 crore under the State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF) to all states. The money was released by the Union Home Ministry today following an assurance given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his video conference meeting with the Chief Ministers on Thursday.
The Central Government has released in advance its share of first installment of State Disaster Risk Management Fund for the year 2020-21, amounting to Rs 11,092 crores with a view to augment funds available with the State Governments.
To make available additional funds to the State Governments for taking preventive and mitigation measures for containment of COVID-19, the Centre on March 14 has already made a special dispensation for utilization of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
This Fund was allowed to be utilized for setting up quarantine facilities, sample collection and screening; setting up additional testing laboratories, cost of consumables; purchase of personal protection equipments for healthcare, municipal, police and fire authorities; purchase of thermal scanners, ventilators, air purifiers, and consumables for Government hospitals.
Addressing the need for providing food and shelter to homeless people including migrant labourers who are stranded due to lockdown measures, the Centre has already allowed State governments to use SDRF for this purpose also.