Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], December 7 (ANI): The Kerala High Court on Saturday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state government’s lack of clarity regarding the funds available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The court was hearing the Suo Moto case aimed at preventing and managing natural disasters in the light of the Wayanad landslide. The court had earlier directed the state government to furnish details about the availability and utilisation of funds in the SDRF.
The Kerala government informed the court that there are Rs 677 crores remaining in the SDRF budget.
The court asked the state government if there is a yearly auditing report prepared. “If you cannot give an estimate of expenses, how can you say that money is required? Don’t say the fund is required for immediate purposes without any figures?” the court said.
The High Court also asked the state government, “Who are you trying to fool?”
“There is no clear understanding of how much of the remaining Rs 677 crore in the fund should be spent for immediate needs. You do not know how much from 677 crores in the SDRF can be used. How can you say you do not know?” the High Court said.
The court directed the state to stop the blame game, as it is tarnishing the dignity of the people of the state, especially those in Wayanad.
“When asking for assistance from the central government, the state must provide an accurate figure,” the court said.
The High Court also noted that the state is unsure whether the Rs 677 crore is available in the fund.
The counsel for the state informed the court that even without any natural calamities, around Rs 700 crore is required each year for the SDRF to meet other prior commitments. The counsel also informed that additional funds are required for rehabilitation.
The court directed the state government to submit detailed accounts and figures, while the state requested more time to provide this information.
The case has been scheduled for a hearing on December 12. (ANI)
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