‘Short-changed’ Karnataka seeks bigger grant under disaster response fund

BENGALURU: After failing to obtain central assistance for relief work in 49 drought-hit taluks in 22 districts, Karnataka is now lobbying for a bigger allocation under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
SDRF is a centrally backed contingency grant provided to every state annually. Karnataka will get its funds for a period of five years starting April 1, 2020.
SDRF allocations work differently than the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).After a state coping with the aftermath of a natural calamity sends a request for financial assistance, the Centre decides how much money can be provided under NDRF. In contrast, SDRF allocations are given to states for a five-year period in accordance with the Finance Commission’s recommendations.
For 2015-20, Karnataka had received Rs 1,527 crore on the recommendation of the previous 14th Finance Commission. The state found the grant severely inadequate, and officials have now argued that Karnataka requires more as, like neighbouring Maharashtra, it is prone to droughts and floods. Maharashtra had received more than Rs 8,190 crore for the same period.
“We have brought the discrepancy to the notice of the 15th Finance Commission, which visited the state last year. We have explained Karnataka’s situation and sought enhancement of our funds quota under SDRF. We hope our prayers are answered,” said GS Srinivas Reddy, director of the Karnataka State Disaster Monitoring Centre.
According to revenue officials, in the past five years, Karnataka has spent at least Rs 2,000 crore a year on disaster relief. This size of this expenditure itself is a solid ground for demanding more funds. Officials have also cited the devastation in the 2018 Kodagu floods for higher assistance. “Though we have not pitched for a specific amount, we have, through our memorandum, given a clear picture of Karnataka’s vulnerability and requested the Centre to match the grant with our average expenditure,” said TK Anil Kumar, principal secretary, revenue department.
Chief minister BS Yediyurappa is likely to discuss the issue with Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Bengaluru visit on Tuesday.