Centre’s decision to enhance contribution to SDRF comes as a big boon for Odisha

ONI Bureau:  After the devastation floods in Kerala in July-August 2018, the Modi Government took a major decision in September by enhancing its contribution to State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) from 75% to 90% with effect from April 1, 2018.

Although the move was aimed at providing relief to Kerala and a few other States that faced natural calamities in the recent months, it came as a boon for Odisha too, which is struggling to cope up with the situation aftermath Cyclone Titli, which left a trail of massive destruction in 3 districts – Ganjam, Gajapati and Rayagada.

At least 62 people died in the Cyclone and related incidents, while total loss has been pegged at Rs 2,770 crore.

As per the decision of the Centre to enhance its contribution to SDRF, the burden of States would substantially come down. The States will contribute just 10% to the SDRF going forward. The additional contribution by the central government in SDRF would be Rs 1,690.35 crore for 2018-19 and Rs 1,774.67 crore for 2019-20.