Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday announced financial assistance of ₹1,200 crore for Uttarakhand, following extensive damage caused by heavy rain, landslides, and flooding. The announcement came during a meeting in Dehradun where Modi reviewed the situation and interacted with those affected.
Under this package, Modi committed to help rebuild damaged houses through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin, restore damaged national highways, repair schools, and distribute relief through the PMNRF. Farmers and livestock owners will also receive support, with “mini kits” to help restore livestock that suffered losses.
In addition, ex-gratia payments have been announced: ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each person who has died in the disaster and ₹50,000 for those who are seriously injured. Children orphaned by the calamity will be supported through the PM CARES for Children scheme.
An inter-ministerial central team has been dispatched to assess the extent of the damage across various districts. The government emphasized that further assistance will depend on the reports submitted by these teams as well as a memorandum submitted by the Uttarakhand state government. Modi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and assured that the Union Government will coordinate closely with the state in this difficult period.
Implications
- This aid package is significant but still smaller than the ₹5,702 crore request made earlier by Uttarakhand for comprehensive disaster relief and infrastructure rehabilitation.
- The announcement underscores urgency in addressing both immediate relief (like ex-gratia compensation) and medium-term recovery (housing, roads, schools).
- Effective coordination between central and state agencies, including disaster response forces, will be vital to ensure funds are utilized swiftly and transparently.
