**Maharashtra Government Eases Norms to Expedite Flood Relief Funds**
In a bid to revive public life in flood-affected areas, the Maharashtra government has decided to relax existing norms to make funds available immediately. Through a directive issued on Monday, the government has allowed the utilisation of funds originally meant for development schemes reserved for each district to be redirected towards flood relief and mitigation.
### District Funds Can Now Be Used for Flood Mitigation
The district planning and development funds (DPDC), which previously excluded post-disaster mitigation activities, can now be used in accordance with state-approved norms and guidelines. This change empowers district authorities to undertake various relief operations, including:
– Hiring equipment for rescuing stranded people
– Setting up relief camps
– Reviving drinking water schemes
– Disposing of carcasses of animals that died in floods
– Starting cattle camps wherever necessary
– Restoring power supply
– Repairing or reconstructing damaged roads and bridges
### Central Assistance May Face Delays
While the state has sought financial assistance from the Centre for relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected areas, central aid may be delayed due to the time required for assessing exact damages and needs.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced an immediate allocation of over ₹2,200 crore to address urgent requirements, although the actual disbursal of these funds has yet to begin. For the current fiscal year, the government has earmarked about ₹20,000 crore for the DPDC.
### Historical Context and Updated Guidelines
In 2014, Maharashtra permitted the use of DPDC funds for calamity relief and rehabilitation. However, this provision was stayed in August of this year. The fresh guidelines issued on Monday now allow district authorities to use up to 10% of DPDC funds specifically for flood relief efforts.
### Role of District Authorities Strengthened
The DPDC is headed by the district guardian minister, with the district collector serving as its ex officio secretary. Under the new guidelines, district collectors have the authority to initiate repairs and reconstruction of critical public infrastructure such as schools, anganwadis, and protection walls in flood-affected zones.
These measures are aimed at facilitating quicker and more efficient response to the flood crisis, ensuring that essential services and infrastructure are restored promptly for affected communities.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-allows-immediate-use-of-district-funds-for-flood-relief-and-rehabilitation
