<h1>Finance Ministry Releases Early Rs. 8,873.6 Crore for State Disaster Fund; Up to 50% Usable for COVID-19 Efforts.</h1> The Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, has advanced the release of the first installment of Rs. 8,873.6 crore for the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for 2021-22 to all states, based on the Ministry of Home Affairs' recommendation. Typically released in June, this early disbursement allows states to use up to 50% of the funds, amounting to Rs. 4,436.8 crore, for COVID-19 containment efforts. These funds can be allocated for oxygen generation, ventilators, ambulance services, COVID-19 hospitals, testing facilities, and other related measures, without requiring the utilization certificate from the previous financial year.