Chandigarh: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Punjab to assess the devastating flood situation, Union Minister of State Railway & Food Processing Industries, Ravneet Singh Bittu took to his social media handle to express profound gratitude on behalf of the people of Punjab for the Central Government’s swift response.
The Prime Minister announced a generous relief package of ₹1600 crore to aid the state’s recovery from the catastrophic floods that have wreaked havoc across multiple districts.
In his heartfelt post, Bittu wrote:
The people of Punjab express their heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, for the generous relief package of ₹1600 crore extended to the state during this critical time. This timely assistance reflects the Prime Minister’s deep concern and compassion for Punjab and its people. This is an initial relief measure, and further support will be extended once the central assessment teams submit their reports. The Prime Minister’s willingness to listen to the grievances of farmers and those severely affected by the floods highlights his magnanimity and unwavering commitment to the welfare of every citizen of Punjab.
The Prime Minister’s visit on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, included an aerial survey of flood-affected areas and a review meeting in Gurdaspur, where he met with state officials and locals to understand the scale of the crisis. The floods, triggered by heavy rainfall and cloudbursts, have submerged over 1,900 villages across 23 districts, claimed 43 lives, and caused extensive damage to crops, infrastructure, and livestock, with losses estimated at ₹13,289 crore by the Punjab government.
The ₹1600 crore relief package is part of an initial response, with additional support promised once Inter-Ministerial Central teams complete their damage assessments. The Central Government has also approved the advance release of the second instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and benefits under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme. Families of the deceased will receive ₹2 lakh as ex gratia compensation, while the injured will be provided ₹50,000. Children orphaned by the floods will be supported under the PM CARES for Children scheme.
The Prime Minister outlined a comprehensive recovery plan, including rebuilding homes under the PM Awas Yojana, restoring national highways, reconstructing schools, and providing specific aid to farmers for damaged agricultural infrastructure under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.