Rs.4436.8 crore can be used by the states for Covid-19 containment measures,” the statement said. The Centre also advised the states to use the funds for purchasing consumables, thermal scanners, personal protective equipment, testing laboratories, and testing kits. Several states requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release SDRF funds so that they could take measures to address the challenges posed by the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also requested the Centre to allow 50% of the annual allocation of SDRF earmarked for the state earlier this month. Punjab chief minister during the online meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with all chief ministers of states and Union territories hard-hit by Covid-19 sought permission for the use of the SDRF funds for vaccine procurement.

Source: Hindustan Times May 01, 2021 05:23 UTC