"Unless you submit proper information, how can you expect more funds?" Kerala Governor takes dig at LDF government

New Delhi [India], December 9 : Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan questioned how the central government could release more funds unless the state government provides proper details regarding the rehabilitation of the Wayanad landslide-hit areas.
His remarks came days after the Kerala High Court criticised the state government for its lack of clarity on the funds available in the State's Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Speaking to reporters on Monday, the Governor said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has promised that there will be no constraint on funds as far as rehabilitation is concerned."
He further added, "Without starting the rehabilitation work, utilising the money already available, we keep asking for more funds...Unless you submit proper information, how can you expect more funds?"
The Kerala High Court on Saturday expressed strong dissatisfaction with the state government's lack of clarity regarding the funds available in the SDRF.
The court was hearing the Suo Moto case aimed at preventing and managing natural disasters in the light of the Wayanad landslide. The court had earlier directed the state government to furnish details about the availability and utilisation of funds in the SDRF.
The Kerala government informed the court that there are Rs 677 crores remaining in the SDRF budget.
The court asked the state government if there is a yearly auditing report prepared. "If you cannot give an estimate of expenses, how can you say that money is required? Don't say the fund is required for immediate purposes without any figures?" the court said.
The High Court also asked, "Who are you trying to fool?"
"There is no clear understanding of how much of the remaining Rs 677 crore in the fund should be spent for immediate needs. You do not know how much from 677 crores in the SDRF can be used. How can you say you do not know?" the High Court said.
The court directed the state to stop the blame game, as it is tarnishing the dignity of the people of the state, especially those in Wayanad.
"When asking for assistance from the central government, the state must provide an accurate figure," the court said.
The High Court also noted that the state is unsure whether the Rs 677 crore is available in the fund.
The counsel for the state informed the court that even without any natural calamities, around Rs 700 crore is required each year for the SDRF to meet other prior commitments. The counsel also informed that additional funds are required for rehabilitation.
The court directed the state government to submit detailed accounts and figures, while the state requested more time to provide this information.
The case has been scheduled for a hearing on December 12.
Earlier in the month, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and MPs from Kerala met Union Home Minister Amit Shah and urged the Centre to provide immediate relief to landslide-affected people of Wayanad.
Priyanka Gandhi, a newly-elected MP from Wayanad, highlighted the need for immediate assistance to help affected families, rebuild their lives and restore essential infrastructure in the region. She said the tragedy needed to be considered beyond partisan politics.
She urged the Home Minister to urgently consider releasing the required funds to support the rehabilitation efforts in view of the severity of the disaster.
"We have given representation to the PM and Home Minister. The devastation in the area (in Wayanad) is complete. The people who are affected have lost absolutely everything. In such circumstances, if the Centre cannot step up, then it sends a very bad message to the entire country and especially to the victims," Priyanka Gandhi told reporters earlier in the month.
"The PM had visited and met the victims. After that when I met the victims they expressed hope that they might get some relief. Now, 4 months have passed and that relief has not been forthcoming. I have appealed to the Home Minister and he has listened to us very kindly. I have appealed to him that we rise above politics and truly recognise the pain & suffering of the affected people...On behalf of all Kerala MPs, it was our appeal to them ( Union Home Minister) that they should consider this very seriously," she had added.
Landslides in Wayanad earlier this year had caused widespread damage. According to state estimates 359 persons died or were missing.