The Ministry of Defence, through the National Disaster Relief Services Centre (NDRSC), has issued an updated guideline outlining the process for providing a Rs. 25,000 allowance to households affected by the severe disaster situation that began on 21st November 2025.
The circular, sent to all District and Divisional Secretaries, states that the allowance will be granted to all categories of affected houses, including:
* Totally damaged houses
* Partially damaged houses
* Houses affected by minor flooding, even if there is no structural damage
According to the guideline, every affected housing unit is eligible for this payment, and no damage assessment is required prior to disbursement.
### Allowance Provided Irrespective of Land Ownership
The NDRSC emphasized that the allowance must be given regardless of land or property ownership, covering:
* Permanent residents
* Estate housing residents
* Tenants of rented houses
* Occupants of unauthorized structures
* Residents of government housing
* Government-registered children’s homes, elders’ homes, and centers for persons with disabilities
### Division of Funds in Shared Housing
The guideline outlines that the Rs. 25,000 should be equally divided if multiple families or individuals live within the same housing unit.
* In rental properties, the allowance is granted only to the tenant, and divided equally if multiple tenants are present.
* If both the house owner and tenants live in the same house, the amount must be split among all parties.
One-Time Payment for This Specific Disaster
The allowance is a one-time payment, applicable only for the disaster that occurred from 21st November 2025. The full amount must be provided at once to each affected housing unit.
District and Divisional Secretaries have been instructed to assess house damages and request the required provisions immediately. An updated application form for beneficiaries has been attached as Annexure 01 in the guideline. (Newswire)
