The central government has approved an additional ₹25 crore in aid for the repair of houses damaged by Pakistani shelling in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir. This decision follows an announcement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
New Delhi: There is welcome news for thousands affected by the incessant shelling from Pakistan in the border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. The central government has approved an additional ₹25 crore under Operation Sindur for the reconstruction of houses damaged by the shelling and the rehabilitation of affected families.
This decision follows an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, wherein he assured all possible help for the safety and dignified lives of citizens living on the border.
Border Crisis, Central Intervention
The continuous shelling from Pakistan has repeatedly shaken border districts of Jammu and Kashmir like Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, and Samba. Many villages have seen homes reduced to ashes, religious places and shops destroyed, and thousands of families displaced. In this situation, the central government's swift action has emerged as a ray of hope for the people.
Following the Prime Minister's instructions, the Ministry of Home Affairs has approved a special relief package of ₹25 crore, which will expedite the reconstruction of 2060 homes.
₹2 Lakh for Total House Damage, ₹1 Lakh for Partial Damage
Under the new package, completely destroyed homes will receive ₹2 lakh, and partially damaged homes will receive ₹1 lakh in additional aid. This amount will be directly transferred to the accounts of the affected families so that they can immediately begin repairs and reconstruction. Home Minister Amit Shah has clarified that this aid will not be limited to homes but will also be used for the repair of religious sites, schools, commercial establishments, and other public properties.
The central government has also clarified that this aid will not be limited to Jammu and Kashmir. Border districts of Punjab, such as Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Fazilka, affected by Pakistani shelling, will also receive the same financial assistance. This is the first time that the Centre has formulated a unified relief policy in view of cross-border attacks, giving equal priority to both states.
Amit Shah's Poonch Visit, Compassionate Appointments
On May 29-30, Home Minister Amit Shah visited Poonch district in Jammu and Kashmir, where he met with families of those killed in the shelling. During this visit, he also handed over compassionate appointment letters and assured them of the Centre's support. According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, families who lost members in the shelling will be given priority in central government jobs.
In response to Pakistan's provocative actions, the Indian government has maintained a firm stance on the military front while prioritizing sensitivity and humanitarian aid on the civilian front. To date, more than 3.25 lakh people have been moved to safer locations from the border districts. Of these, approximately 15,000 people have been accommodated in 397 temporary relief camps, where essential amenities such as food, drinking water, healthcare, electricity, and education are being provided.
Reports from Operation Sindur indicate damage to temples, mosques, gurudwaras, and churches. The central government has announced that separate funds will be allocated for the reconstruction of these religious sites to maintain communal harmony and cultural heritage.
