Manipur government denies reports of EU financial aid for storm relief

IMPHAL: Manipur government has refuted media reports that the European Union (EU) has provided 250,000 euros (Rs 2.25 crore) to assist victims of a severe storm in the state.

In an official notification, Manipur chief secretary Dr Vineet Joshi clarified that all financial requirements related to the recent storm are being met through the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).

The Manipur government stated that all relief work is being coordinated and implemented by the respective deputy commissioners, security forces, and public volunteers.

No non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or civil society organizations have been entrusted with the relief operations, the notification informed.

The Manipur government has already sanctioned Rs 30 crore to the deputy commissioners of the affected districts to facilitate the ongoing relief efforts.

Also read: Indian Army, Assam Rifles aid Cyclone Remal victims in Mizoram and Manipur

Previously, on May 29, reports suggested that the EU had announced financial aid of 250,000 euros (over Rs 2.25 crore) to support people affected by a hailstorm and heavy rain in Manipur in early May.

According to the reports, the EU had stated, “The European Union has made available 250,000 euros in response to the recent hailstorm and heavy rain that hit India’s Northeast state of Manipur in early May.”

However, the Manipur government has firmly denied receiving any such financial aid from the EU, reiterating that the necessary funds for disaster relief are being sourced from domestic disaster response funds.