CHANDIGARH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a financial assistance of Rs 1,600 crore for the flood-ravaged Punjab, battling its worst deluge since 1988, in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already in the state’s kitty.
He also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the seriously injured in the floods and natural calamity.
Prime Minister Modi conducted an aerial survey of flood affected areas in Punjab.
Thereafter, he had an official review meeting in Gurdaspur with officials and elected representatives. Modi reviewed the relief and rehabilitation measures undertaken as well as assessed the damage that had occurred in Punjab.
There will be an advance release of the second instalment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Modi emphasised the need for a multi-dimensional approach to help the entire region and its people recover. This would include measures such as rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, providing relief through the PMNRF, and distributing mini kits for livestock.
Recognising the critical need to support the agricultural community, additional assistance will be provided specifically targeted at farmers who currently lack power connections.
For bores that have been silted over or swept away, support for refurbishing would be extended under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana on project mode, as per a specific proposal from the State Government.
For bore pumps that are running on diesel, convergence with MNRE for solar panels and support will be facilitated for micro irrigation under the Per Drop More Crop guidelines.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin, financial assistance will be extended under “Special Project’’ submitted by the state government for the reconstruction of houses in rural areas to eligible households whose houses have been damaged due to floods.
The government schools damaged in the recent floods in the state will be financially supported under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
The government is required to provide all requisite supporting information as per guidelines.
Construction of recharge structures for water harvesting will be undertaken extensively in Punjab under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari program.
This will be aimed to repair damaged recharge structures and constructing additional water harvesting structures. These efforts will enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.
Modi announced that children orphaned due to the recent floods and landslides will receive comprehensive support under the PM CARES for Children scheme. This will ensure their long-term welfare.
He stated that all assistance under disaster management rules are being made including advance disbursements to the states.
The Union Government has also sent Inter-Ministerial Central teams to visit the state to assess the extent of damage, and based on their detailed report, further assistance will be considered.
Modi expressed his condolences to the family members of those who have lost their lives in the natural calamity and stated that the Union Government will work closely with the State Governments in this difficult time and extend all possible assistance.
He also met families from the state who were affected by the calamities and floods and expressed his complete solidarity with all those who had suffered and expressed deep sorrow who had lost their close ones.
He appreciated the efforts of the personnel of NDRF, SDRF, Army, State administration and other service-oriented organisations for making efforts in immediate relief and response.
The Central government will further review the assessment based on the memorandum of the state as well as the report of the Central teams. Modi acknowledged the gravity of the situation and assured that the Central Government will make all efforts to address the situation.
