Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced a relief package of ₹1,600 crore for flood-affected Punjab, which is grappling with its worst deluge since 1988. This fresh financial aid comes in addition to the ₹12,000 crore already allocated to the state’s disaster relief funds. As part of immediate assistance, the Prime Minister also declared an ex-gratia payment of ₹2 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the seriously injured. The announcement reflects the Centre’s commitment to stand by Punjab in the face of the unprecedented natural calamity.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged districts to assess the scale of destruction. He later chaired a high-level review meeting in Gurdaspur with state officials and elected representatives to take stock of ongoing rescue and relief operations. During the discussions, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of speeding up rehabilitation measures, while also ensuring transparency and efficiency in fund allocation. He assured that the Centre would continue to extend full support to Punjab until normalcy is restored.

The government further announced the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) along with financial backing through PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. Emphasising a multi-pronged recovery strategy, PM Modi outlined plans to rebuild homes under the PM Awas Yojana, repair and restore national highways, reconstruct damaged schools, and provide mini kits for livestock support. Relief will also be channelled through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). By combining financial aid, infrastructure rebuilding, and agricultural support, the Centre hopes to help Punjab recover swiftly from the devastating floods and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of its people.