Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said the state government has begun assessing losses caused by recent floods and assured that compensation cheques are ready for distribution.
Addressing the media a day after being discharged from hospital, Mann also dismissed the claim that Punjab had Rs 12,000 crore lying unspent under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) as misleading.
Mann said Deputy Commissioners had been instructed to immediately start surveys in districts where water has receded. “No district has been left out, whether it was directly affected or not. Officers will visit every village. Within 40–45 days, compensation for crops, houses, livestock and other damages will be given. Cheques are ready,” he said.
On the controversy over SDRF, CM Mann clarified that Punjab has received Rs 1,582 crore since 2022, of which Rs 600 crore something has already been spent.
“The Rs 12,000 crore figure is not accurate. These numbers are being misused for politics,” he said, taking a dig at leaders who had recently joined the BJP.
Mann noted that under SDRF norms, compensation for crop damage is fixed at Rs 6,800 per acre, but his government has decided to go far beyond.
“We are giving Rs 20,000 per acre — the highest-ever compensation. And if the situation demands, we are ready to increase it up to Rs 40,000 per acre,” he said.
He also reported that 55 deaths have been confirmed due to floods, with 42 families already compensated.
The Chief Minister said transparency will be strictly maintained in disbursing aid.
“If any corruption complaint is received, strict action will be taken. Until every affected family receives compensation for their losses, I will not rest,” he added.
Mann expressed gratitude to Punjabis for their contributions to the CM’s Relief Fund, which has so far received Rs 48 crore. “Every penny will be used for the flood-affected families,” he said.
He added that JCB machines have been deployed for desilting and more JCBs will be purchased to ensure no farmer face any problem.
He thanked organisations and individuals who supported relief efforts during the crisis.
Taking a swipe at the Shiromani Akali Dal, Mann mocked Sukhbir Singh Badal’s statement on providing seeds to farmers, recalling the beej scam under former minister Tota Singh. “Farmers don’t need token seed handouts. They deserve proper compensation and an effective crop insurance system,” Mann said, adding that the state will work to refine its crop insurance schemes.
Mann also said that once the assessment is complete, he would seek meetings with the Union Home Minister or Prime Minister to press Punjab’s demand for additional central assistance. “The government is not alone in this struggle — all Punjabis are with us,” he said.
