Pondy govt to form DRF for victims of natural calamities

The Puducherry government has announced the formation of a Disaster Response Fund (DRF) to provide immediate relief to victims of natural calamities in the Union Territory.
Special Secretary (Revenue) cum District Collector (in charge) of Puducherry P Parthiban in his order published in the State Gazette today statedthat the administration has evolved the modalities to constitute theFund which will be administered bya State level Executive Committee headed by Chief Secretary to government.
The fund is being constituted in consonance with the provisions of the Disaster Management Act 2005 and as per the recommendation of the 13th Finance Commission.
The fund would be operated in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre.

The Union Home Ministry has informed the territorial government of the sanction a central grant of Rs 10 crores to theFund under "non plan" and the Puducherry government will contribute as its shareRs 2.5 crores towardsthe fund, the official said.