(LiveMint)
The Centre on Thursday said ₹600 crore released two days ago to flood-hit Kerala was advance assistance and additional funds would be released when an inter-ministerial team visits the state again and assesses the damage. The home ministry statement came amidst a row over accepting funds from foreign governments for Kerala after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) offered $100 million (around ₹700 crore) and the Centre declared that it will not take any financial assistance from foreign governments.
“It is clarified that ₹600 crore released by the Centre is advance assistance only. Additional funds would be released from the NDRF (National Disaster Relief Fund) on assessment of the damages as per laid down procedure,” the statement said.
On Tuesday, the central government had released ₹600 crore to flood-hit Kerala as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi (₹500 crore) and Home Minister Rajnath Singh (₹100 crore) during their visits to the state. The home ministry said during the floods in Kerala, the Centre has provided urgent aid and relief material in a timely manner and without any reservation. The situation has been regularly monitored by the Prime Minister and he visited the state on 17-18 August 2018.
