Centre releases Rs 8873 crore disaster fund for states to battle Covid crisis, take containment steps

Centre has released the first instalment of Rs 8,873.6 crore for State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in advance for the states to battle the Covid-19 crisis and take containment measures.

Centre has released the first instalment of Rs 8,873.6 crore for State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) in advance for the states to battle the Covid-19 crisis and take containment measures. Up to 50% of the SDRF funds can be used by the state government for Covid-19 containment measures. This comes at a time when India recorded over 4 lakh fresh Covid-19 cases within the span of 24 hours on Saturday. Centre has released the first instalment of the SDRF funds to states in advance instead of the usual June disbursement. Half of the Rs 8,873 crore, i.e. Rs 4,436 crore can be used for Covid-19 containment measures, said the Ministry of Home Affairs.