States can use 50% of SDRF for Covid-19 pandemic: PM Narendra Modi to CMs

There was a cap of 35% earlier; in meeting with chief ministers, PM says focus should be on micro-containment zones

States can now use 50 per cent of their disaster relief funds to manage Covid-19 as the cap of 35 per cent has been removed, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a meeting with seven chief ministers administering states most affected by the pandemic.
 
“Today, I announce that the states can spend 50 per cent of the SDRF amount on efforts to check the spread of Covid-19. This limit was earlier 35 per cent,” Modi said, referring to the state disaster relief fund.
 
Modi asked states to reassess if lockdowns of one or two days are effective in