Modi govt stands ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with Punjab: Amit Shah

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The North News

New Delhi, September 30

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday said the Modi government stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the people of Punjab and will provide all possible help to those affected by the recent floods.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Shah in New Delhi and briefed him on the damages caused during the monsoon floods. Mann also requested additional funds for disaster relief and restoration.

Officials said the state has access to ₹12,589.59 crore under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), which can be used for immediate relief and restoration as per central norms.

The Centre has already extended support through rescue and restoration efforts, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Punjab on 9 September to review the situation. Of the ₹1,600 crore package announced by Modi, ₹805 crore — including ₹170 crore sanctioned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) — has been released, while the rest awaits further documentation from the state government.

An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visited affected areas from 3–6 September to assess damages, even before Punjab submitted a formal memorandum. The Centre said it will consider further aid once the detailed memorandum is received.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has also advised Punjab to prepare a recovery and reconstruction plan, in line with guidelines issued in August 2024. This includes conducting a Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) in consultation with the State and National Disaster Management Authorities