Punjab CM Mann Delivers on Flood Relief, Distributes ₹377 Cr to 30,000 Families
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Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann fulfilled his promise to support flood-affected families on Wednesday, disbursing ₹377 crore in compensation to over 30,000 households whose homes were damaged in the recent floods. Addressing a gathering in Dera Baba Nanak, Mann expressed his solidarity with the people of Punjab, who suffered immense hardship due to the unprecedented floods. He emphasized that his government is committed to standing with every affected family during this difficult time. Mann highlighted that Punjab faced one of its worst flood disasters in decades in August and September, with the worst-affected districts being Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Pathankot, Hoshiarpur, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Tarn Taran. He announced that the state government had already begun paying enhanced compensation for crop loss, amounting to ₹20,000 per acre, which is the highest in the country. Additionally, a comprehensive rehabilitation package is being rolled out for house damage, providing ₹1.20 lakh per fully damaged house to affected families. The CM informed that out of nearly 30,000 houses reported damaged across Punjab, 8,056 belong to Gurdaspur district alone. He stated that the ₹377 crore compensation is being distributed on Wednesday, ensuring that affected families can rebuild their homes with dignity. Mann also announced that the state government has released ₹70,000 as the first instalment for house reconstruction, with the remaining amount to be disbursed in two additional installments. Furthermore, under the MGNREGA, 90 days of wage employment has been provided to beneficiaries for rebuilding their homes, along with the grant of ₹1.20 lakh for each fully damaged house. Mann emphasized that Punjab had contributed nearly 150 lakh tonnes of paddy to the national pool, fulfilling its responsibility as the food bowl of the country. However, the state suffered losses of around ₹13,500 crore due to the floods, and Mann reiterated his demand for the immediate release of the ₹1,600 crore relief package announced by the Union government. He accused the government of withholding the promised assistance, calling it another 'jumla' with the people. On the political front, Mann launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal, accusing its leadership of prioritizing narrow family-centric interests over the development and well-being of the people.
