National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF)

Published on 01 Feb 2025

• The central government assured the Supreme Court of prompt resolution regarding Karnataka’s plea for financial aid for drought relief.

• The National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, supplements funds from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to provide immediate relief during severe calamities.

• NDRF funds are held in the Government of India’s “Public Account” under “reserve funds not bearing interest”.

• When a disaster surpasses state resources, the affected state requests NDRF assistance.

• The Ministry of Home Affairs dispatches an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to assess the situation and submit a report.

• Subsequently, a High-Level Committee (HLC), chaired by the Home Minister, reviews the request and IMCT report.

• Upon HLC approval, the Department of Expenditure releases sanctioned NDRF funds to the state.

• The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) audits NDRF accounts.

Keywords:

National Disaster Response Force NDRF Disaster Management Act 2005 Significance of NDRF Challenges of NDRF disaster disaster management drought