THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Ministry of Defense informed Kerala that the Air Force has incurred an expenditure of 132.62 crores for the rescue missions during the calamity only as part of the procedure. The state does not have to pay for such bills. Such bills are usually settled during the exchange of funds between the centre and the state. However, there will be a reduction in the central share.

Centre has the power to waive the cost of rescue missions and convert it into a one-time grant. It remains to be seen which position Centre will take for Kerala. This issue came up at a time when the central and state governments were fighting each other over granting a special package to Wayanad.

The state has moved to send a reply letter to the Centre requesting that the amount spent on the rescue mission be waived. Revenue Minister K Rajan said that the central position asking Kerala to refund the money of the rescue mission is gross discrimination. The Minister accused the Centre of asking for payment for the assistance provided without providing economic assistance for needs like rehabilitation. This amount was supposed to be allocated from the Central Disaster Relief Fund. This matter will also be brought to the attention of the High Court in the case related to the Wayanad issue. Finance Minister KN Balagopal said that a decision on the payment of money can be taken only after consultation at the government level.

There is a practical difficulty in making payments from the SDRF. It is the state that needs to find funds for the rent of the lodgings where the disaster victims are accommodated and for the financial assistance of Rs 300 for each of the two adults of the families living here.

Army does not take money

• The centre has now informed only the expenditure of the air force. The Army does not disclose the amount spent. The amount is usually included in their expenses. Every rupee spent on non-military purposes will be accurately accounted for. The Ministry of Defense has stated that Kerala has been informed of these figures. In case of objection, it should be reported to the Ministry of Defense within 30 days.
• The cost of airlifting was estimated by the Controller of Defense Accounts of the Air Force. There is the Principal Controller, the Controller General of Defense Accounts and the Parliamentary Committee above the Controller of Defense Accounts, who estimates the expenditure. The accounts should be given to all of them for verification. There is internal audit as well. The expenses of the force will also include the travel of the leaders to the disaster areas.

Available on call

Army copters are provided for rescue mission, VIP travel and aerial surveillance if requested by the Chief Secretary. The Air Force will release the copters from Thiruvananthapuram and the Navy from Kochi. Even though the bill can reach up to Rs 1 lakh, it is customary to adjust it in the Central-State cash flow. Private helicopter has 18 percent GST. There is no need to pay tax on army copters.

"Providing accounts is standard procedure. This happens all the time"

- Defense counsel