Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): The Union Government has released the second installment of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for Punjab, providing Rs 240 crore to support relief and restoration work in flood-affected regions.
The Ministry of Finance confirmed the transfer in an official communication, noting that the release is part of the Centre’s committed share under the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations for the financial year 2025-26.
This tranche is aimed at strengthening ongoing recovery operations in Punjab, where floods during the monsoon season caused widespread damage to homes, farmlands, and public infrastructure. The state government is expected to channel the funds towards rehabilitation of affected families and urgent repair of essential services.
Himachal Pradesh has also been allotted Rs 209.88 crore under the same provision, bringing the total amount released by the Centre to overRs 449 crore for both states.
The Finance Ministry has directed that the disbursed amount be credited into the SDRF accounts of the respective states and utilized strictly in accordance with the disaster management guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The fresh financial support comes as a boost for Punjab’s administration, which has been carrying out relief operations in severely impacted districts. Officials believe the assistance will help speed up rehabilitation efforts and reduce the burden on state resources.
