-By ArdorComm News Network
July 8, 2023
The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a new scheme aimed at enhancing and modernizing fire services in various states across India. This initiative falls under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and has been allocated a total budget of Rs 5,000 crore. Out of this amount, Rs 500 crore will be designated for incentivizing states based on their legal and infrastructure reforms. The Home Ministry has sent a letter to the Chief Secretaries and heads of Fire Services of all states to inform them about this scheme.
The scheme was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during a meeting with Disaster Management ministers from states and Union Territories in New Delhi on June 13. The primary objective of the scheme is to expand and modernize fire services in states by utilizing the preparedness and capacity-building component of the NDRF. This is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen India’s disaster risk reduction system and ensure minimal loss of life and property during emergencies.
To seek funding under this scheme, state governments will be required to contribute 25% of the total project cost from their own budgets, except for the North-Eastern and Himalayan states, which will contribute 10%. The scheme originates from the recommendation of the Fifteenth Finance Commission, which allows for an allocation of 12.5% of the NDRF and State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the funding window of preparedness and capacity building. The ministry emphasized that there will be no spill-over of liabilities for projects sanctioned beyond the award period specified.
For further details about the scheme, interested parties can download the information from the website of the Disaster Management Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India (https://ndmindia.mha.gov.in).