NDRF: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Feb 19: The central government has sanctioned an additional ₹1,554.99 crore under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to five states, including Odisha, affected by floods, flash floods, landslides, and cyclonic storms during 2024. The other beneficiary states are Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Telangana, and Tripura.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a post on X, emphasized the government’s commitment to disaster-affected states, stating that this assistance is in addition to ₹18,322.80 crore already released to 27 states under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). “The Modi government stands like a rock in support of the disaster-affected people,” he said.
As per an official statement, ₹608.08 crore has been allocated to Andhra Pradesh, ₹170.99 crore to Nagaland, ₹255.24 crore to Odisha, ₹231.75 crore to Telangana, and ₹288.93 crore to Tripura. However, 50% of the opening balance in the SDRF for 2024 will be adjusted against this assistance.
The Centre had earlier sent Inter-Ministerial Central Teams (IMCTs) to assess damage in these states immediately after the calamities, even before receiving formal memorandums.
This announcement comes amid renewed demands for special category status for Odisha. Rajya Sabha MP Sasmit Patra of the BJD recently criticized the Union Budget 2025-26, stating that Odisha, despite frequent natural disasters, was once again overlooked. He reminded the BJP-led government of its 2014 election manifesto, which had promised special status to the state.
