Budget 2024: Bihar to Assam, these flood-prone states get key aid programme – details here

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set a record on July 23 with the presentation of her seventh consecutive and the first Union Budget of the Modi 3.0 government in Parliament. The Budget Session that started on July 22 and is scheduled to conclude on August 12. While there was nothing special in the Union Budget for the middle-class, however some assistance was provided to the farmers. On Tuesday, while delivering her budget speech, Sitharaman offered financial aid as well as irrigation and rehabilitation projects for states hit by flood including Bihar, Assam, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Let’s have a look at why these states have been given special flood relief aid in Budget 2024: 

Bihar 

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her speech said that Rs 11,500 crore would be allocated for flood control efforts in Bihar. Floods have often befallen the state, with many of them coming from outside the nation. She further added that there are currently no plans in place to construct flood control structures in Nepal.

The FM stated that projects with an estimated cost of Rs 11,500 crore will receive financial support from our government under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme and other sources. In addition to this, she said that a survey and inquiry into flood control and irrigation projects relating to Kosi will be conducted.

Assam

Due to the Brahmaputra River and its tributaries originating outside of India, Assam experiences floods every year. During the budget speech, Sitharaman stated that assistance to Assam for flood management and related projects will be provided. 

Sikkim

In her Budget 2024 announcement, FM Sitharaman expressed her desire to aid in the state’s reconstruction following the catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF). Devastating landslides and flash floods have struck Sikkim, causing havoc throughout the state.

Uttarakhand

Funds to support the state will be provided as announced during the presentation of the Union Budget speech due to massive landslides and cloudbursts causing losses in the state. 

Himachal Pradesh

Floods last year caused significant damages in Himachal Pradesh. The finance minister said, “Our government will provide assistance to the state for reconstruction and rehabilitation through multilateral development assistance.”