Amit Shah-Led Panel Approves Rs 153.36 Crore Aid for Hailstorm-Affected Manipur in 2024

The High-Level Committee (HLC) chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has approved Rs 153.36 crore in additional central assistance for Manipur to support recovery efforts following the severe hailstorm that struck the state in 2024. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) made the announcement on Monday, confirming that the financial aid is sanctioned under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF). This decision follows the comprehensive assessment of the damage and the needs of the state, as presented by the Manipur government.

The approval comes after the hailstorm caused extensive destruction across multiple districts of Manipur, particularly affecting homes, agriculture, and public infrastructure. The state government had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Centre, urgently seeking assistance in the wake of the storm’s devastation. The damage included visuals of destroyed crops and damaged roofs, underscoring the scale of the disaster.

The Rs 153.36 crore in assistance is intended to support the state’s ongoing relief and rehabilitation operations. The funding will be utilized for a variety of urgent needs, including immediate relief distribution, restoration of essential services, and compensation for affected households and farmers. The Ministry clarified that the funds would be provided subject to an adjustment of 50% of the opening balance available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for the year.

The central government has reiterated its commitment to assisting disaster-affected states and ensuring the timely release of funds for relief efforts. According to the MHA, this financial support is part of the government’s broader strategy to strengthen disaster resilience in states and deliver responsive governance in the wake of natural calamities. The funds will bolster on-the-ground relief work, enabling faster rebuilding, particularly in rural and economically vulnerable areas of Manipur.

The HLC’s decision reflects the central government’s priority to support states in need following natural disasters. It underscores the government’s continued focus on ensuring that disaster-affected areas have the necessary financial resources to recover effectively. The allocation of Rs 153.36 crore is a significant step in assisting Manipur as it works to overcome the aftermath of the storm and return to normalcy.

Manipur's government is expected to deploy the funds for various relief measures, including providing compensation to farmers who have suffered crop losses, distributing aid to affected households, and restoring public infrastructure. The assistance will help to ensure that the state's economy recovers more swiftly from the shock of the hailstorm.

The central government's assistance to Manipur is part of a broader effort to support states that have been hit by natural calamities, using mechanisms like the NDRF and SDRF. The release of these funds is a clear demonstration of the Centre’s dedication to providing support and enabling states to respond to disasters efficiently. Additionally, this decision is aligned with the Centre’s aim of promoting long-term disaster resilience in states prone to such events.

The approval for this financial aid reinforces the government’s stance on the importance of disaster preparedness and relief, ensuring that the affected states receive the resources necessary for a swift recovery.