Row Over Repaying IAF for Rescue Operations: Rajeev Chandrasekhar Criticizes Kerala Government
The debate over the reimbursement of costs incurred by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for disaster relief operations has reignited tensions between the Kerala government and the Central government. Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has criticized Kerala’s stance on the issue, calling the controversy over payment a routine matter being unnecessarily politicized.
The Controversy Explained
The IAF’s demand for Kerala to pay an outstanding bill of Rs. 132 crore for disaster-related operations has sparked a heated political debate. This amount, accrued since 2019, represents the operational costs incurred by the IAF during various search, rescue, and relief missions in the state, including those undertaken during the devastating Wayanad landslide. The Ministry of Defence, in a communication to the Kerala government, requested an immediate settlement of these dues.
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Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, defended the Central government’s position, explaining that seeking reimbursement from state governments for such operations is a standard practice. In a social media post, he questioned why the Kerala government, with an annual budget of over Rs. 2 lakh crore, was treating this as a contentious issue. “Reimbursement of costs to @IAF_MCC for relief operations is routinely done by ALL state governments. But for @pinarayivijayan’s government that has a budget of 2 lakh crores a year, it becomes a ‘row’—why?” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Kerala Government’s Response
Kerala’s Revenue Minister, K. Rajan, expressed strong disapproval of the Centre’s demand, calling it an undue burden on the state. Speaking to reporters in Thrissur, he pointed out that disaster relief operations should be seen as a national responsibility rather than a financial obligation to be borne by individual states. Rajan also emphasized that Kerala has faced multiple natural calamities in recent years, including floods and landslides, and has consistently relied on Central assistance to manage these crises.
The demand for payment was made through a letter from a Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Defence’s Department of Military Affairs, who holds the rank of Air Vice Marshal. The letter, addressed to Kerala’s Chief Secretary, included an itemized airway bill detailing the charges for the services rendered. The Kerala government has not yet made an official statement on whether it intends to comply with the payment request.
The History of IAF Involvement in Kerala
The IAF has played a critical role in Kerala’s disaster management efforts over the years. From airlifting stranded individuals during floods to delivering essential supplies to remote areas, the IAF’s contributions have been invaluable. These operations, however, come with significant logistical and operational costs, which are typically borne by the state governments requesting assistance.
The Wayanad disaster in particular highlighted the importance of timely intervention by the armed forces. Landslides triggered by heavy rainfall caused widespread destruction, leaving many families homeless and in dire need of aid. The IAF’s helicopters were deployed to evacuate residents and deliver relief materials to affected areas. Such operations require extensive resources, including fuel, maintenance, and manpower, leading to substantial expenses.
Routine Procedure or Unfair Demand?
Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s assertion that reimbursement requests are standard practice has found support among some experts. They argue that the IAF’s primary mandate is national defense, and its involvement in disaster relief is an auxiliary function. As such, states are expected to bear the costs associated with these services to ensure that the armed forces’ primary resources remain available for national security needs.
However, critics of the Centre’s stance argue that disaster relief is a shared responsibility, particularly in a federal system like India’s. They believe that expecting states to shoulder these costs undermines the spirit of cooperative federalism. Kerala, in particular, has faced significant economic strain due to consecutive years of natural disasters, and the additional financial burden could further impact its recovery efforts.
Broader Implications for Federal Relations
The row over the IAF’s payment demand underscores a larger issue concerning Centre-state relations. Opposition leaders have accused the BJP-led Central government of using financial demands to pressure non-BJP-ruled states. The controversy also raises questions about the allocation of disaster relief funds and the role of the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
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Under the current framework, states can request assistance from the NDRF to deal with large-scale disasters. However, the fund’s disbursement often involves bureaucratic delays, leaving states to rely on their own resources or seek interim assistance from the Centre. In this context, the IAF’s demand for reimbursement appears to some as an additional hurdle for disaster-hit states.
Conclusion
The debate over Kerala’s payment for IAF operations highlights the complexities of disaster management in India. While Rajeev Chandrasekhar’s comments reflect the Centre’s position that such payments are routine, the Kerala government’s resistance underscores the financial and political challenges faced by states in dealing with natural calamities.
Resolving this issue will require a balanced approach that considers the financial constraints of disaster-hit states while ensuring that the armed forces’ resources are adequately compensated. Ultimately, a more transparent and cooperative framework for disaster relief funding could help prevent such disputes in the future and ensure that timely aid reaches those who need it most.