Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department on Friday authorised the release of funds to the tune of Rs 55 Crore in favour of divisional commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir respectively and deputy commissioners of all 20 districts of the UT to mitigate the Covid-19 crisis.

According to the order, a copy of which lies with Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the finance department said that the release of funds has been made under DRF in favour of Divisional Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to mitigate the Covid-19 crisis.

“Finance Department conveys authorization for release of Rs 55.00 crore in favour of DMRR&R Department out of Disaster Response Fund below M. H: 2245- Relief on account of natural calamity, Sub Head: 1076- Disaster Response Fund & Detailed head: 032- Relief & Rehabilitation for placing the funds at the disposal of respective,” it reads.

As per the order, all 20 deputy commissioners will utilise Rs 45 Crore with each deputy commissioner utilising Rs 2.25 Crore each while Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Jammu will utilise Rs 10.00 with divisional commissioner Kashmir and divisional commissioner Jammu to utilise Rs 5.00 crore each.

The order states that the funds so released through BEAMS could be utilised for meeting disaster-related needs of the police by each DC

“The funds shall be utilized as per SDRF norms of Government of India including the recent relaxation/modifications for Covid-19 related activities. The decision shall be got duly approved by the State Executive Committee. The DMRR&R Department shall communicate latest SDRF norms to Divisional Commissioners and all Deputy Commissioners,” it reads.

The order states that the UCs of previous releases if any and the current release shall be furnished within the stipulated time frame immediately after expenditure is incurred.

It stated that further instalments shall be released only once UCs are submitted in a time-bound manner. (KNO)