In a crucial move to bolster disaster relief efforts, a High-Level Committee (HLC), led by Home Minister Amit Shah, has given its approval for an additional central assistance of ₹707.97 crore. This funding is specifically designated for the states of Assam and Gujarat, which experienced severe floods and landslides during 2024. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed this allocation, highlighting the government’s commitment to supporting affected regions.
The financial aid is being disbursed from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). Out of the total approved amount, Assam will receive ₹313.69 crore, while Gujarat has been allocated ₹394.28 crore to aid in their recovery and rebuilding initiatives.
Beyond flood and landslide relief, the HLC also sanctioned a notable sum of ₹903.67 crore under the NDRF for the vital ‘Expansion and Modernization of Fire Services’ across three other states. Haryana will benefit from ₹117.19 crore, Madhya Pradesh from ₹397.54 crore, and Rajasthan from ₹388.94 crore, ensuring improved emergency response capabilities in these regions.
It’s important to note that this approved assistance is supplementary to the funds already provided by the central government to states through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). For the fiscal year 2025-26, the Central Government has proactively released ₹13,603.20 crore to 27 states under the SDRF and an additional ₹2,024.04 crore to 12 states under the NDRF, demonstrating ongoing support.
Furthering comprehensive disaster preparedness, ₹4,571.30 crore has been released from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) to 21 states, and ₹372.09 crore from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) to nine states, reinforcing efforts to minimize the impact of future calamities.