Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial relief on 24 September 2026 following a bus fire tragedy in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh that claimed multiple lives. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that compensation would be paid to families of the deceased and injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Key facts
- Ex-gratia payment to next of kin of each deceased: Rs. 2 lakh
- Compensation for injured persons: Rs. 50,000 each
- Source of funds: Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
- Incident location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh
- Announcement date: 24 September 2026
What the announcement covers
The Prime Minister announced two categories of financial assistance under the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Families of those who died in the bus fire would receive Rs. 2 lakh each as ex-gratia. Those injured in the incident would receive Rs. 50,000 each to help with medical expenses and recovery costs.
About the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund
The PMNRF is a non-statutory fund set up to provide relief to persons affected by natural calamities and other emergencies. The Prime Minister is the trustee of this fund, and it has historically been used to provide assistance in cases of disasters, accidents and tragedies across the country. Payments from the fund are typically made as ex-gratia, meaning they are discretionary grants made without legal obligation.
Who receives the assistance
The compensation targets two groups. The Rs. 2 lakh payment goes to the next of kin or legal heirs of deceased victims. The Rs. 50,000 payment is for those who sustained injuries in the fire and require medical treatment or ongoing care. The next of kin would need to submit proper documentation and proof of relationship to claim the ex-gratia payment.
What this means for affected families
For families who lost members in the tragedy, the Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia payment provides immediate financial support during a period of grief and loss. This amount can help cover funeral expenses, loss of income from the deceased family member, and other immediate needs. For the injured, the Rs. 50,000 payment can offset hospital bills, medicines, and rehabilitation costs during recovery.
Families will need to approach the relevant authorities or the administration in Greater Noida to initiate the process of claiming this relief. They should keep medical certificates, death certificates, and proof of relationship handy for the application process.
Next steps for claimants
While the announcement does not specify the exact procedure or timeline, families of victims should register their claims with the district administration in Greater Noida or the relevant local authorities. They may also contact the office of the Chief District Magistrate for guidance on filing applications for PMNRF assistance. The actual disbursement of funds typically follows verification of claims by the administration.