Himachal Pradesh to Receive ₹1,500 Crore Relief from Centre

In the wake of severe floods, landslides, and cloudbursts across Himachal Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey and led a review meeting in Kangra, announcing a ₹1,500 crore central relief package. Emphasizing the Centre’s full support, PM Modi declared that the government is committed to helping Himachal “get back on its feet.”

Immediate Assistance and Compensation

The relief package includes,

• Advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
• Ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
• Direct interaction with affected families, where the Prime Minister reassured them of sustained central assistance.

Infrastructure and Livelihood Rehabilitation

A multi-dimensional recovery approach has been outlined,

• Housing Reconstruction under PM Awas Yojana – Gramin, with geotagging to expedite aid processing.
• Repair of national highways and flood-damaged roads for quick restoration of connectivity.
• Livelihood Support for farmers and livestock owners, including the distribution of mini-kits and targeted agricultural aid.

Education and Water Resilience Measures

• Damaged government schools will be assessed via geotagged reports to receive funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
• Rainwater recharge structures will be constructed to improve long-term water conservation and groundwater management.

Strategic Importance

This ₹1,500 crore relief package highlights,

• Prompt financial intervention to address urgent humanitarian and infrastructural needs.
• Scheme integration with housing, agriculture, and education programs to deliver targeted recovery.
• Technological solutions like geotagging to accelerate fund disbursal and ensure accountability.
• Robust Centre-State collaboration, enabling effective ground-level execution and long-term rehabilitation.

Key Takeaways for Exam

• Total Aid Announced: ₹1,500 crore
• Main Schemes Activated: SDRF, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Awas Yojana, Samagra Shiksha
• Compensation Offered: ₹2 lakh (death), ₹50,000 (injury)