PM Modi Announces ₹1,600 Crore Relief for Flood‑Hit Punjab

In response to the devastating floods and cloudbursts across Punjab, Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of the affected regions and chaired a high-level review meeting in Gurdaspur. Following the assessment, he announced a significant financial assistance package of ₹1,600 crore, further strengthening the state’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Financial and Scheme-Based Support

This central aid is in addition to ₹12,000 crore already allocated to Punjab, aimed at ensuring swift and structured recovery. Key measures include,

• Advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
• Continued benefits under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to support affected farmers.
• Ex-gratia payments of ₹2 lakh to the next of kin of deceased individuals and ₹50,000 to those seriously injured in the floods.
• Comprehensive support to orphaned children through the PM CARES for Children initiative.

The package also includes direct interventions to restore and rebuild,

• Damaged homes under PM Awas Yojana – Gramin.
• National highways and rural roads affected by landslides and floodwaters.
• Schools, to be reconstructed under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
• Aid for livestock and agriculture via distribution of mini-kits and revival of borewells under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.
• Conversion of diesel pumps to solar through the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Micro-irrigation support under the Per Drop More Crop component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
• Promotion of rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge structures under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari program.

Administrative Action and Field Response

To ensure targeted assistance and on-ground validation, inter-ministerial central teams have been deployed to conduct detailed assessments of damage. Their reports will guide the next phase of relief disbursal and policy alignment.

The Prime Minister praised the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), armed forces, and volunteers for their rapid and coordinated efforts in rescue, evacuation, and resource distribution across flood-affected districts.

Key Takeaways for Exam

• Total Central Relief Announced: ₹1,600 crore
• Additional Funds Available with State: ₹12,000 crore
• Key Schemes Activated: PM Awas Yojana, PM Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM CARES for Children, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, MNRE solar pump subsidy, Jal Sanchay