The Manipur State Government has denied recent media and social media reports claiming that the European Union (EU) provided 250,000 euros (approximately Rs 2.25 crore) for storm relief efforts in the State.
In an official notification, Chief Secretary Dr Vineet Joshi clarified that all financial needs related to the recent severe storm are being covered by the National Disaster Response Fund and the State Disaster Response Fund.
The notification asserted that all relief activities are being carried out by the concerned Deputy Commissioners, security forces, and public volunteers.
“No NGOs or civil society organisations have been entrusted with the relief work,” the statement said. Furthermore, the State Government has already allocated Rs 30 crore to the Deputy Commissioners of the affected districts to support relief efforts.
Earlier, on May 29, reports suggested that the EU had announced financial aid of 250,000 euros to assist those affected by a hailstorm and heavy rain in Manipur in early May. The aid will be provided by the EU humanitarian partner, ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency), which is a humanitarian agency operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
According to an EU statement, “The European Union has made available Euro 250,000 in response to the recent hailstorm and heavy rain that hit Bharat’s Northeastern State of Manipur in early May. This will help communities to cope with the impact of the storm on their livelihood and to restore their houses.”
However, the Manipur State Government has firmly refuted these claims, reiterating its commitment to managing the disaster response with its own resources.
