Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday presented cheques worth Rs 5.70 crore to 631 flood-affected families in record time, completing the process within 30 days—well before the original 45-day target. During a public event held to distribute compensation, he praised the district administration and Revenue Department officials for their efficiency and dedication. The chief minister recalled that he had promised to begin the compensation drive after a special survey, and despite the official deadline ending on October 28, his government managed to deliver relief earlier than expected.
Mann expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the floods, calling the disaster one of the toughest challenges Punjab had faced in recent times. He said the people’s resilience and the administration’s quick action helped the state recover swiftly. Thanking citizens in India and abroad who extended support, the chief minister remarked that such unity and compassion reflect Punjab’s spirit of solidarity in the face of adversity.
He emphasized that the floods were not just a setback for local farmers but for the entire nation, given Punjab’s crucial role in maintaining India’s food security. Mann praised the hard work of the state’s farmers and soldiers, noting that while one protects the country’s borders, the other safeguards its food reserves. He said this commitment makes Punjab the backbone of India’s strength.
The chief minister highlighted that the people of the Majha region had endured immense suffering, having faced both cross-border tensions and natural calamities. To help them rebuild their lives, the state launched “Mission Chardi Kala,” symbolizing hope, courage, and perseverance even in the darkest times. He mentioned that philanthropists worldwide have contributed generously through the official portal rangla.punjab.gov.in to support this mission.
According to official data, the floods affected 198 villages in Amritsar district, damaging nearly 60,000 acres of crops and thousands of homes. The government used a digital platform for the first time to ensure transparent assessments. Mann stated that Rs 6.7 crore in aid was being distributed to those who lost crops, livestock, and houses, while the remaining beneficiaries would soon receive compensation directly in their bank accounts.
He added that ministers would now oversee compensation drives in 19 other districts, covering over 800 villages. Surveys revealed that around 3.5 lakh acres of crops were destroyed statewide, and the government was ensuring no farmer was left out of the process. Mann announced that Punjab farmers would receive Rs 20,000 per acre—far higher than the national relief standard of Rs 6,800 per acre—funded primarily by the state itself after the central government failed to respond to requests for additional aid.
The chief minister also detailed the upcoming disbursement of Rs 180 crore to families whose homes were damaged, with Rs 1.2 lakh allocated for fully collapsed houses and Rs 40,000 for partially damaged ones, a significant increase from previous governments’ payouts. Additionally, over Rs 7 crore will be distributed to compensate for livestock and poultry losses. Farmers will now have the right to remove or sell sand and silt from their fields freely under the new “Jisda Khet, Ohdi Ret” policy.
Mann said that free wheat seeds were being supplied to those farming on flood-hit land, while medical camps and vaccination drives were underway to safeguard people and livestock. He criticized earlier regimes for offering minimal relief and accused opposition leaders of visiting flood zones merely for photo opportunities.
He revealed that Punjab suffered losses of nearly Rs 14,000 crore due to the floods and accused the Union government of delaying financial assistance. He asserted that Punjab was not seeking charity but demanding its rightful share from centrally held funds like RDF.
The chief minister also highlighted progress in other sectors, noting that over 260 students from government schools had qualified for JEE Mains and nearly 850 for NEET under the new Schools of Eminence program. The state has opened 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics, providing free medicines to more than 1.75 crore citizens.
Mann reiterated his government’s commitment to transparent governance, merit-based recruitment, and public safety. Over 55,000 jobs have been provided to eligible youth, and the creation of the Sadak Surakhya Force has reduced road accident deaths by nearly half. He concluded by warning that there would be no leniency toward those responsible for the state’s drug crisis, condemning the political nexus that once shielded such individuals. the
