SDRF meant for need-based schemes : Arunachal Pradesh CM

ITANAGAR: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Nabam Tuki today said the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) is meant for need-based schemes but not provided on constituency-wise basis.

Responding to a supplementary from Congress MLA Lombo Tayeng during question hour in the house about amount released under SDRF to districts and constituencies, Tuki said that funds were distributed on need-based schemes.

He said, Papum Pare district which included the state Capital received more funds because of the conditions of the capital roads which turned from bad to worse in the devastating flood triggered by incessant rain recently.

While assuring the member to go for equitable allocation of fund on need-based schemes, Tuki in response to another supplementary by BJP member Dr Mohesh Chai that worst-hit Lohit district did not receive fund in 2014-15. The minister clarified that fund was not earmarked to the district (Lohit) as several schemes were taken up under National Disaster relief Fund (NDRF) scheme.

Admitting that Lohit is a flood-prone district, Tuki informed that funds were allocated to various departments to undertake restoration works under NDRF scheme.