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Punjab News: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann strongly criticized the present compensation system for flood victims. He said the rules set by the Union Home Ministry are far below the real losses of farmers and livestock owners. According to him, the notified conditions are outdated and irrelevant. Farmers spend much higher costs in cultivation, but the current relief per acre is too little. Mann said Punjab deserves fair treatment, and the Centre must revise its norms urgently.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.