new delhi, Sept 9
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a financial assistance package of Rs 1600 crore for Punjab, in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already allocated for the state.
He announced after he visited Punjab to review the flood situation and assess the damage caused by cloudbursts and heavy rain in affected areas. During his visit, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas and held an official review meeting with officials and elected representatives in Gurdaspur.
As per the announcement:
The second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) will be released in advance to support relief efforts. Advance disbursements will be made to farmers under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Financial assistance will be provided under the PM Awas Yojana for rebuilding homes damaged in the floods. Efforts will be made to restore national highways and reconstruct schools damaged in the floods.
Additional assistance will be provided to farmers who lack power connections, and support will be extended for refurbishing bores under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
PM Modi also announced comprehensive support for children orphaned due to the floods under the PM CARES for Children scheme, ensuring their long-term welfare. An ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of the deceased, and Rs 50,000 will be given to those seriously injured in the floods.
The Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the floods and assured that the Central Government will work closely with the State Government to extend all possible assistance.
“Our thoughts are with the people in this challenging time,” PM Modi said, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by the floods.
