The central government stands with West Bengal in these testing times and will provide immediate advance assurance of Rs 1,000 crore, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday as he wrapped up a visit to the state that had been battered by cyclone Amphan this week. This is PM Modi’s first outstation visit in nearly three months.
“An advance assistance of ₹1,000 crore will be arranged by the government of India, so that the State government does not face any major hardship during these difficult time,” Mr. Modi said.
“In addition ₹2 lakh will be given from Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to the family of the deceased and to the injured,” he added.
The State government had announced a relief and rehabilitation package of ₹1000 crore on Thursday and a compensation package of ₹2.5 lakh to the family of the deceased.
The Prime Minister said that the State government will conduct a detailed survey report on the extent of damage and losses. It is expected that following that report, a more extensive package will be announced.
“Meanwhile a central team will also conduct a survey in the State,” the Prime Minister said.
It is a “difficult fight” as the battle against Corona and the one against Amphan move to two different directions, Mr. Modi said after conducting aerial survey of the flood-hit region.
“To fight Corona, it is said stay at home, do not go out or maintain a distance of two yards, whereas in case of cyclone it is instructed that one needs to shift to a safe place, move out of your house. Two different types of fight West Bengal had to fight.
