Hyderabad: The process of releasing Central funds to the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) in Telangana is facing delays. This is because the state government has not submitted the necessary utilisation certificates.
In a recent letter, the Union Ministry informed the Telangana government that it has not yet provided a ground report needed to request additional disaster relief funds. This is despite the state experiencing heavy rainfall since August 31.
The Central authorities mentioned that while the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) did provide information over the phone, official documentation is still required. This documentation is necessary for the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Control Room to release the funds.
To help with the ongoing flood relief efforts, the Union government has already sent seven National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, along with boats and lifesaving equipment, to the affected areas. Additionally, two Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters have been stationed at Hakimpet, Secunderabad, ready for rescue operations.
The Union Ministry also noted that as of April 1, 2024, there is still Rs 1,345.15 crore available in the Telangana SDRF account for managing relief operations. However, the state has not submitted the required information to receive the Central share of SDRF funds for the current financial year (2024-25). The Ministry reminded the state that providing utilisation certificates and up-to-date expenditure statements is mandatory according to SDRF guidelines.
Further, the Union Home Ministry pointed out that Telangana had already received Rs 188.80 crore as the second installment for the 2022-23 fiscal year on July 10, 2023. Also, Rs 198 crore was released for both installments of 2023-24 on March 13 and March 28, 2024.
Despite these releases, the state has not yet requested the first installment of Rs 208.40 crore for the 2024-25 financial year. The Union Ministry has asked the state government to submit the required utilisation certificates and related documents as soon as possible. Additionally, they requested that SEOC officials regularly submit daily situation reports on natural disasters.
