Kerala FM Slams Centre Over Disaster Relief Allocation
Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal has strongly criticized the central government for what he described as insufficient disaster relief funding for the state in the aftermath of landslides and other natural calamities. The minister expressed disappointment, stating that the Centre’s approach to disaster relief was akin to “rubbing salt into the wound.”
Kerala, prone to frequent landslides and floods due to its topography and monsoon patterns, has faced significant challenges in recovering from recent disasters. Balagopal emphasized that the state’s efforts to rebuild and support affected communities have been hindered by the lack of adequate financial support from the central government.
Relief Funds Fall Short
The minister highlighted that Kerala had submitted detailed reports on the extent of damage caused by the landslides, estimating the need for substantial relief and rehabilitation measures. However, he argued that the funds sanctioned by the Centre under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) were grossly inadequate to address the scale of devastation.
“The people of Kerala, especially those living in vulnerable regions, deserve better support from the Union government,” Balagopal said, urging for a more empathetic and proactive disaster relief mechanism.
Demand for Policy Reforms
Balagopal also called for reforms in the allocation process of disaster relief funds, stressing the importance of revisiting outdated norms that fail to account for the severity and frequency of disasters in states like Kerala.
“Natural disasters in states like Kerala should not be treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. The unique geographical and climatic conditions must be factored into the relief allocation process,” he said.
Centre’s Response Awaited
While Kerala’s government has appealed for additional funds, the Centre has yet to respond to the latest criticisms. Experts suggest that bridging the gap between state demands and central allocations will require better coordination and a commitment to disaster resilience.
The state continues to advocate for stronger support mechanisms to ensure timely relief for those affected by natural calamities, emphasizing the need to prioritize vulnerable regions in national disaster management policies.
