Guwahati: Congress Member of Parliament Gaurav Gogoi has brought to light a significant discrepancy in the allocation of disaster relief funds for Assam, asserting that the state received a mere 2.4% of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) assistance it had actively sought from the Centre. The Deputy Leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha raised these critical questions regarding the financial support for disaster management, particularly scrutinizing the utilization of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) within Assam.
Mr. Gogoi’s remarks underscore a growing concern over the financial mechanisms designed to aid states frequently hit by natural calamities. Assam, known for its annual struggle with devastating floods and erosion, relies heavily on both central and state funds to mitigate the impact of such events and provide timely relief to affected populations. The substantial gap between the requested aid and the actual disbursement could potentially cripple the state's ability to mount effective disaster responses and recovery operations.
The veteran parliamentarian's intervention comes at a time when discussions around climate change and its exacerbated impact on vulnerable regions like Northeast India are gaining momentum. He emphasized the necessity for greater transparency and accountability in how disaster relief funds are managed and distributed, both at the state and national levels. Ensuring adequate and timely financial assistance is paramount for a state like Assam, where livelihoods are frequently disrupted and infrastructure damaged by recurring natural disasters.
Gogoi’s questioning is expected to prompt further scrutiny into the processes of disaster fund requests, assessments, and disbursements, urging authorities to address the reported shortfall and bolster Assam's preparedness for future exigencies.
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