PM Modi announces Rs 1,600 crore aid for flood-hit Punjab

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced an assistance package of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab to support flood relief and rehabilitation. The fresh aid comes on top of Rs 12,000 crore already allocated to the state, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

The Centre has released the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund in advance and extended benefits under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi to affected families. Farmers are at the core of the assistance plan, with targeted support promised for those without electricity connections and for borewells damaged or washed away during the floods.

Refurbishment of borewells will be taken up under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana on a project basis. For diesel-powered pumps, the Centre will provide solar alternatives in convergence with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, along with support for micro-irrigation under the ‘Per Drop More Crop’ programme.

Housing and infrastructure recovery

Under a special project submitted by the Punjab government, financial support will be provided for the reconstruction of flood-damaged rural homes through the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin.

The package also includes provisions for restoring roads and highways affected by the floods. Schools that sustained damage will be assisted under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, subject to supporting details being provided by the state.

Water conservation measures

Long-term water sustainability has been factored into the relief package. The Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari programme will finance repair of damaged recharge structures and construction of additional water harvesting systems. The initiative aims to improve rainwater harvesting capacity and reduce future vulnerability to floods. The Union government has already deployed inter-ministerial central teams to Punjab to survey the damage. Their report will determine the scale of additional assistance, if required, in the coming weeks.