Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a relief package of Rs 1,600 crore for flood-ravaged Punjab, just hours after sanctioning Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh. The marginal increase has drawn attention, with many viewing it as far below what Punjab had anticipated, given the scale of devastation caused by floods and heavy rains.
After conducting an aerial survey of the affected regions, the Prime Minister held a review meeting in Gurdaspur with officials and elected representatives. He stressed the need for a multi-dimensional recovery plan and assured that the Centre would stand firmly with Punjab in rebuilding lives and infrastructure. Modi noted that this allocation comes in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already available in the state’s kitty under various central schemes and disaster funds. The package will also include the advance release of the next instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund and the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
The relief measures announced cover multiple sectors. Damaged houses in rural areas will be reconstructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin, while flood-hit government schools will be supported through the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. Farmers whose borewells have been silted over or swept away will receive aid under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, and diesel-run pumps will be supported through solar convergence and micro-irrigation projects under “Per Drop More Crop” guidelines. Rainwater harvesting and recharge structures will be repaired and expanded under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari programme, aimed at long-term water sustainability. Restoration of national highways and other vital infrastructure will also be taken up on priority.
The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Children orphaned in the calamity will be supported comprehensively under the PM CARES for Children scheme to ensure their long-term welfare. Modi also assured that Inter-Ministerial Central Teams, already deployed in Punjab to assess the damage, will guide further allocations once their reports are submitted.
During his visit, Modi met affected families, expressed condolences to those who had lost loved ones and lauded the efforts of NDRF, SDRF, Army and Aapda Mitra volunteers for their tireless work in relief and rescue. He underlined that all assistance under disaster management rules was being extended and that the Centre would continue to support Punjab in the days ahead.
Yet, despite these assurances, the Rs 1,600 crore announcement has been met with muted response in Punjab. For many, the package represents only a token increase over Himachal Pradesh’s Rs 1,500 crore and falls short of matching the magnitude of losses. Observers say expectations of a much larger package remain unfulfilled.
