Securing Our Future: Recognizing the Vital Role of the National Disaster Resource Fund

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• News
• Concept of NDRF
• Key Features of NDRF

 

News:

Tamil Nadu on Wednesday filed a suit in the Supreme Court accusing the Union government of treating the people of the State in a “step-motherly” fashion by delaying the release of disaster relief funds of nearly ₹38,000 crore.

Concept:

• The suit was filed under Article 131 of the Indian Constitution.

• The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is a centrally-funded disaster response mechanism established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is aimed at providing immediate relief assistance to states and union territories affected by severe natural disasters or calamities.

Key Features of NDRF:

• Objective:

The primary objective of the NDRF is to supplement the efforts of state governments and union territories in meeting the immediate needs of relief and rehabilitation in the aftermath of natural disasters.

• Funding:

The NDRF receives financing through budgetary allocations made by the Government of India. It is a dedicated fund earmarked for disaster response activities and is managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

• Constitution:

The NDRF is constituted by the Central Government under Section 46 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It is separate from the State Disaster Response Funds (SDRFs) established by individual state governments.

• Allocation and Utilization:

Funds are allocated to the NDRF based on recommendations from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and assessments of disaster severity and impact. These funds are utilized for immediate relief measures such as search, rescue, evacuation, temporary shelter, food, water, and medical assistance.