Chennai: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai has stated that the Central government did not receive any memorandum from the Tamil Nadu government seeking financial assistance for the damage caused by Cyclone Ditwah, which struck the state in 2025.
Rai made this remark in a recent letter written in Tamil to Sudha R, who had raised the issue during the Lok Sabha's Zero Hour session on December 11, 2025, urging the Union government to extend relief support to Tamil Nadu.
Financial Allocations Under SDRF and SDMF
In his response, Rai detailed the financial provisions for Tamil Nadu for the fiscal year 2025-26. Under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), the state was allocated a total of ₹1,322.40 crore, comprising the Centre's share of ₹992 crore and the state's share of ₹330.40 crore. He confirmed that the Centre's contribution had already been released in two installments.
Additionally, Rai noted that ₹330.60 crore had been allocated under the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) for 2025-26, of which the Centre's share of ₹248 crore was also released in two installments.
Disaster Management Responsibilities
The minister further stated that, as per the National Disaster Management Policy, the primary responsibility for disaster management and relief measures rests with the respective state governments. The Centre supports states through logistical and financial assistance for rescue and relief operations.
Rai explained that relief assistance is provided through the SDRF in accordance with norms approved by the Union government. In cases classified as disasters of a 'severe nature', additional aid from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) is extended based on an assessment by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT). He clarified that SDRF and NDRF assistance is meant only for relief measures and not as compensation for losses and damages.
Centre's Assurance
At the same time, Rai assured that the Central government would continue to provide all necessary assistance to support the efforts of the state government in managing the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah.
