The Ministry of Finance releases Rs 6,195 million to 14 states

The government released Rs 6,195.08 crore to 14 states as the second equivalent monthly installment of the Revenue Deficit Grant after Repayment on Monday.

“This would provide them with additional resources during the Corona crisis,” the finance ministry said in a statement Monday.

The grant was recommended by the 15th Finance Commission, and on March 14 the Center issued an equal first installment of the grant to the states.

On Monday, the Center released advance payments of more than Rs 1,276 crore to Kerala, followed by more than Rs 952 crore to Himachal Pradesh and more than Rs 638 crore to Punjab. Assam received Rs 631 crore, Andhra Pradesh Rs 491 crore, Uttarakhand Rs 423 crore and West Bengal earned Rs 417 crore.

The grant will help state governments take preventive and mitigation measures for the containment of Covid-19, including the installation of quarantine facilities, the collection and analysis of samples, and the creation of additional testing laboratories.

Cash-strapped states can also use the funds to cover the cost of consumables and the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health, municipal, police, and fire authorities, in addition to purchasing thermal scanners, fans , air purifiers and consumables for government hospitals. .