Punjab CM Mann Demands Higher Flood Relief, Says Current Compensation Fails To Cover Real Losses

Punjab News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann slammed the Centre’s current flood relief system, calling it unfair and outdated. He said farmers and livestock owners have suffered huge losses, but the compensation rules set by the Union Home Ministry are far too low. According to him, the cost of farming today is much higher, yet the relief per acre remains minimal. Mann stressed that Punjab deserves justice and urged the Centre to immediately revise its compensation policy.

Farmers Need Better Relief

While inspecting villages by boat, Mann pointed to the destruction of standing crops ready for harvest. He demanded at least ₹50,000 per acre as compensation for farmers. He revealed that he has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to double the ex-gratia payment for families of those who died in the floods from ₹4 lakh to ₹8 lakh. He also urged higher aid for the disabled, proposing ₹1.5 lakh and ₹5 lakh for 40%–60% and above 60% disability respectively.

Letter To Prime Minister Modi

Mann said he had spoken with the Prime Minister and Union Home Minister, briefing them on Punjab’s disaster situation. He mentioned sending a detailed letter to PM Modi, pressing for fair compensation and demanding the release of ₹60,000 crore of pending funds for Punjab. He stressed that this is the time for the Centre to show generosity and humanity towards Punjab’s suffering people.

Scale Of Destruction In Punjab

The CM explained that more than 1,300 villages and lakhs of people in Punjab have been affected. Over three lakh acres of farmland are submerged, most of it paddy fields due for harvest. Heavy rainfall and the release of water from dams have worsened the crisis in more than 10 districts. Alongside crops, livestock has been lost, and this will damage the rural economy badly as many depend on dairy and animal husbandry for survival.

State Relief Operations On Ground

Mann said the Punjab government is making continuous efforts to provide relief and rehabilitation. Senior officers have been deployed in affected areas to assess real losses and organize aid. District administrations have been asked to ensure every family receives compensation. He emphasized that no family should be left out. Medical teams, disaster response units, and rescue workers are active round the clock to provide food, medicines, and shelter.

Punjab’s Contribution Must Be Respected

Expressing deep concern, Mann said the damage caused by these floods is one of the worst in recent history. He reassured that he is personally monitoring relief work and will not leave any stone unturned. He said Punjab has made India self-reliant in food production, and now it is time for the nation to support Punjab in its time of crisis. He added that Punjabis have the spirit to fight every challenge, and the state government will stand shoulder to shoulder with its people.

Demand For Generous Approach

Mann concluded that restrictions set by the Centre are creating hurdles in helping victims. He said the Centre must adopt a more generous approach and provide fair compensation without delay. The floods have destroyed homes, fields, and livelihoods, but the resilience of Punjabis remains strong. He reminded that Punjab has always stood by the nation, and now the Centre should stand by Punjab to give people their rightful due.