PM Modi Conducts Aerial Survey of Flood-Hit Punjab; Announces Rs. 1600 Crore Aid, Ex-Gratia for Victims and Comprehensive Relief Package.
Gurdaspur:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the flood-ravaged areas of Punjab today, conducting an aerial survey and chairing a high-level review meeting in Gurdaspur to assess the extent of damage caused by recent cloudbursts, heavy rainfall, and subsequent flooding in the state.
During the visit, the Prime Minister announced a financial assistance package of Rs. 1600 crore for Punjab in addition to the Rs. 12,000 crore already allocated to the state. This fresh support aims to accelerate relief, restoration, and rebuilding efforts across the affected districts.
High-Level Review and Multi-Pronged Support Plan
Following the aerial survey, PM Modi convened a review meeting with officials and elected representatives to evaluate ongoing relief operations. He emphasized a multi-dimensional recovery approach covering housing, agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
Key highlights of the recovery plan include:
- Immediate advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and benefits under the PM-KISAN Samman Nidhi for affected farmers.
- Support for farmers lacking power connections and those with damaged or silted-over borewells under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
- Solar panel assistance for diesel-operated bore pumps in convergence with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
- Reconstruction of rural homes under a Special Project submitted by the Punjab Government through Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G).
- Financial support for damaged government schools under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
- Construction and repair of recharge structures and water harvesting systems under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari programme to enhance long-term water sustainability.
Ex-Gratia and Welfare for Affected Families
In a compassionate gesture, the Prime Minister announced:
- Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia to the next of kin of those who lost their lives.
- Rs. 50,000 to the seriously injured due to the floods and related natural disasters.
Recognizing the plight of children orphaned in the calamity, the PM declared comprehensive welfare support under the PM CARES for Children Scheme, ensuring their education, healthcare, and overall well-being.
Meeting with Victims and Frontline Responders
During his visit, PM Modi met families affected by the floods, offering heartfelt condolences and expressing unwavering solidarity. He assured them that the Central Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Punjab during this difficult time.
The Prime Minister also interacted with personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Aapda Mitra volunteers, lauding their dedication and tireless service in rescue and relief efforts.
Union Government Committed to Long-Term Restoration
The Central Government has already dispatched Inter-Ministerial Central Teams to assess the full extent of damage. Based on their detailed report and a formal memorandum from the State Government, further financial and technical assistance will be considered.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated the Centre’s commitment to support the complete restoration and rebuilding of infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods in the flood-hit areas of Punjab. He stressed that all support under disaster management norms is being expedited and assured continued coordination with state authorities.
