State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)

The State Disaster Response Fund or SDRF is the primary fund available with the state governments of India to respond to disasters in the respective states. Disaster management is an important part of the UPSC syllabus, and it is important to know what is the SDRF, how it is constituted and other details for the IAS exam.

What is the SDRF?

The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) is constituted under Section 48 (1) (a) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

• The fund is available for state governments to respond to notified disasters.
• The SDRF was formed in accordance with the recommendations of the 13th Finance Commission.
• The fund is used for providing immediate relief for notified disasters that occur within the state.
• It is annually audited by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).

How is SDRF Funded?

The Central government contributes 75% to the SDRF for general category states and UTs while it contributes 90% for special category states and UTs (Northeast and Hilly states/UTs). The central contribution is released in two installments annually. The remaining amount will be contributed by the respective state governments.

Read more about the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in the link.

What disasters are covered under the SDRF?

SRDF covers notified disasters which are cyclone, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunami, hailstorm, landslide, avalanche, cloudburst, pest attack, frost and cold waves.

SDRF Latest News

The primary fund available with the state governments to respond to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic is the State Disaster Response Fund. At present, there is a cap of 50% on the state governments’ use of the fund. But currently, owing to the extraordinary circumstances facing the country, the central government is considering a relaxation of this limit on state governments. Several states and UTs have urged the Centre to enhance the ceiling up to 70% to meet the growing demands of beds, sample collection and screening facilities.

State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF):- Download PDF Here