Question : Irregularities in Distribution of flood Relief Funds

(a) whether the Government has observed irregularities in the distribution of flood relief funds by State of Kerala, if so, the details regarding the same, district-wise;

(b) whether the Government has ensured that funds disbursed to Kerala under flood relief has reached the intended beneficiaries;

(c) if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government has provided grants to the State Government of Kerala for flood relief operations during the last three years, if so, the details regarding such grants?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)
(a): This Ministry of Home Affairs has not received any report of irregularities in distribution of flood relief funds by the State of Kerala.
(b) to (d): The primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the State Governments concerned. The State Governments undertake relief measures in the wake of natural disasters from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), already placed at their disposal, in accordance with Government of India’s approved items and norms. Additional financial assistance is provided
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LS.US.Q.NO. 1565 FOR 07.12.2021
from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), as per laid down procedure in case of disaster of ‘severe nature’, which includes an assessment based on the visit of an IMCT. These norms inter-alia provide for assistance to the affected people without any discrimination.
With regard to disbursal of relief fund, it is stated that under the guidelines of SDRF/ NDRF, the State Executive Committee headed by the Chief Secretary has been empowered to operate these funds. Disbursement of relief on ground is the responsibility of the State Government through established channels of concerned district administrative machinery in accordance with the magnitude of the ground situation. As per existing norms, the State Governments are required to ensure that all intended/ individual beneficiary oriented assistance is necessarily disbursed through the bank account of the beneficiary.
The details of allocation and release of funds from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)/ National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to the State during 2018-19 to 2021-22 are given as under:


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LS.US.Q.NO. 1565 FOR 07.12.2021
(Rs. in crore)
Year Allocation of SDRF Central Share of SDRF released Release of Funds from NDRF
Central Share State Share Total
2018-19 192.60 21.40 214.00 192.60 2904.85
2019-20 168.75 56.25 225.00 136.65 --
2020-21 314.00* 105.00 419.00 314.00* --
2021-22
(as on 01.12.2021)251.20 84.00 335.20 251.20 --
* It also includes 20% amount earmarked for State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF).


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