'Can't blame central govt' ; HC harshly criticizes state govt in Wayanad rehabilitation plan

KOCHI: The High Court harshly criticized the state government for not disclosing the exact amount to be used from the SDRF (State Disaster Relief Fund) for the Wayanad rehabilitation.

"How the Central government would pay if the state continues to not disclose the figures." said a division bench looking into the case.

Even the Financial Officer, appearing in person to explain the state government's SDRF related to Wayanad's rehabilitation, failed to deliver lucid answers to the court’s queries. The court also demanded the state and central government end the mudslinging over the finance allocation.

The state government claimed they have Rs 667 crore left in the SDRF. The centre contributed Rs 291 crore in two instalments. In this, the state's share of Rs 97 crore has also been added. Rs 95 crore was spent by the state government on other disaster relief activities, including the one in Wayanad.

The state government has not answered the question of how much of this money will be spent on the rehabilitation of Wayanad. The hearing was adjourned to the 12th as the state government promised to submit the figures on Thursday.