The North News
Gurdaspur, September 9
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already allocated to the state, following severe floods caused by cloudbursts and heavy rains. Modi conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas before holding a review meeting in Gurdaspur with officials and elected representatives. He assessed the extent of the damage and ongoing relief operations.
The package includes the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and support under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. The Prime Minister stressed a “multi-dimensional approach” to recovery, including rebuilding homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, restoring highways, reconstructing schools, and providing aid through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Additional measures will focus on farmers, particularly those without power connections. Support will be given to refurbish borewells damaged in the floods under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, with solar panel assistance for diesel-run pumps and irrigation support through the “Per Drop More Crop” scheme.
Financial aid will also be provided for government schools under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, while water harvesting structures will be repaired and expanded under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari programme to boost long-term sustainability. The central government has dispatched inter-ministerial teams to assess the damage. Based on their reports, further aid may be considered.
Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the seriously injured. Children orphaned in the disaster will be supported under the PM CARES for Children scheme. Expressing condolences to the victims’ families, the Prime Minister said the Union government would “work closely with the state” and extend all possible help. He praised the efforts of the NDRF, SDRF, army, and local administration for their immediate relief work.
“The central government will make every effort to address this grave situation,” he said.
