CM CALLS ON AMIT SHAH, SEEKS SPECIAL PACKAGE FOR FLOOD RAVAGED PUNJAB

DEMANDS UPWARD REVISION IN THE NORMS FOR AWARDING COMPENSATION TO THE FLOOD VICTIMS FROM SDRF/NDRF

URGES RELAXATION DURING ONGOING PROCUREMENT OF GRAINS

New Delhi, September 30:Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday called on the kind intervention of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and sought a special package for the state in view of massive damage caused due to recent unprecedented floods.

The Chief Minister, who called on Amit Shah at his residence here today, said that the relief of Rs 1600 crore announced by centre was miniscule in wake of grave loss suffered by state adding he also sought upward revision in norms for awarding compensation to the flood victims from SDRF/NDRF. He apprised the Union Home Minister that Punjab has faced one of its worst floods in decades, affecting more than 20 lakh people across 2614 villages, with 6.87 lakh displaced. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the disaster has caused widespread losses as more than 4.8 lakh acres of crops destroyed, more than 17,000 houses damaged, over 2.5 lakh livestock affected and major damage to 4657 km of rural roads, 485 bridges, 1,417 culverts and 190 mandis.

The Chief Minister said that the preliminary estimate of losses stands at Rs. 13,832 crores, covering agriculture, infrastructure, health, education and livelihoods. He said that the current SDRF/NDRF norms are grossly inadequate to address the actual scale of damages adding that input subsidy where crop loss is 33% and above has been fixed as Rs 6800 per acre by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that paying such a petty amount would be unfair to the farmers as the crops were almost at the harvesting stage, so Rs.50,000 per acre should be paid to the farmers.

The Chief Minister said that he had already flagged the issue with the Ministry adding that as no response was there so the State has enhanced the compensation at its level by contributing from the State Budget. He said that in a healing touch the flood victims the state government has decided to enhance the compensation of 26 to 33 percent crop loss to Rs 10,000 per acre from existing Rs 2000 per acre under SDRF norms, 33 to 75 percent crop loss to Rs 10,000 from existing Rs 6800 per acre and for 75 to 100 percent crop loss compensation has been increased to Rs 20,000 per acre again from existing Rs 6800.

The Chief Minister said that in the Rs 20,000 per acre compensation being given to the farmers the state government will contribute Rs 14,900 which is the highest in the country. He said that the compensation for fully damaged/ destroyed houses and severely damaged houses should be doubled from existing Rs.1.20 lakh per house in plain areas to Rs 2.40 lakh per house. Likewise, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that for partially damaged houses (other than huts) the compensation should be Rs.50,000 per house instead of existing Rs 6500 per house for pucca houses and Rs.10,000 per house instead of existing Rs 4000 per house for kutcha houses.

The Chief Minister also said that for Cattle sheds attached with house Rs 10,000 should be given as compensation instead of existing Rs 3000. He further said that Punjab has faced the worst unprecedented floods this year since 1988 and as per the initial assessment, this natural calamity has resulted in the submergence of nearly 1,900 villages, causing severe distress to the farming community. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the brunt of the calamity has been borne by the farmers, with crop damage reported on approximately 4 lakh acres of sown land.

The Chief Minister said that Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Fazilka, Kapurthala and Ferozepur are the most affected districts so relaxation may kindly be extended to the state for KMS 2025-26. He said that the Department of Food & Public Distribution (DFPD), Government of India, may relax the specifications of paddy for procurement during KMS 2025-26 as and when reported on priority. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is imperative to ensure that farmers do not suffer additional hardship over and above the losses already inflicted by the natural calamity.

Flagging the issue of funds for flood protection works for border infrastructure, the Chief Minister highlighted that there are places on the international border where the rivers of Ravi and Satluj cross the international boundary multiple times. He said that the rivers also tend to change their courses over a period of time and the state has been facing this problem due to the erosion by the rivers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the State Government is making all efforts to ensure that there is least loss of land for the farmers and other infrastructure.

The Chief Minister said that every year, flood protection works are carried out at various places, however, the state Government is having inadequate funds at its disposal and it is not possible to provide adequate funds for the flood protection at the international border. He apprised the Home Minister that during the meeting held with the BSF, it has been pointed out by them that the Border Outposts manned by the BSF are under threat from the flood waters. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Deputy Commissioners in the border districts have provided a list of the projects as collected from the BSF which needs immediate protection from the floods.

The Chief Minister said that a detailed Project Report of Rs.175.96 crore was submitted to CWC and NDMA, New Delhi to release the funds to execute the works. He said that a series of meetings have been held by the State Government with CWC and NDMA during the last one year; however, their response still remains awaited. Therefore, Bhagwant Singh Mann requested the Union Home Minister that necessary funds be released at the earliest so that works may be executed in time.

Raising the issue of pending share of Rs 11297 crore RDF and Market fees, the Chief Minister beamoned that the Rural Development Fee and Market Fees is not being reimbursed to the state government despite of clear provision to pay under section 7 of Punjab Rural Development Act, 1987 and as per Section 23 of Punjab Agriculture Produce Marketing Act, 1961. He said that the purpose of this fund is to promote the agriculture and rural infrastructure, which ultimately add to overall development of agriculture, viz. rural road network, marketing infrastructure, augmentation of storage facility, land record computerization, automation and mechanization of mandis and others. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government has amended the Punjab Rural Development Act, 1987 as per directions of DFPD's Government of India but RDF has not been allowed to the State Government from KMS 2021-22 onwards in-spite of compliance of all instructions of DFPD.

The Chief Minister said that since the State is facing severe financial crises due to non-reimbursement of these funds, which is adversely affecting the development and maintenance of rural infrastructure and rural economy. He urged the Home Minister that the RDF and Market fees may be reimbursed to the state in order to put the work of infrastructure development on fasttrack. Bhagwant Singh Mann also raised the issue of meagre allowance of Artiya commission in the state and said that in Punjab, the Artiya Commission is payable @ 2.5% of MSP as per provisions of the Punjab Agriculture Produce Marketing Act, 1961.

The Chief Minister said that Artiya Commission has remained unchanged since the 2019-20 procurement season and is currently capped at Rs.46.00/quintal for wheat and Rs.45.88/q quintal for paddy. He said that as per Punjab Agriculture Produce Marketing Act, 1961, Artiya Commission @ 2.5% of MSP, i.e., Rs.59.73/ quintal is payable to the Artiyas for KMS 2025-26. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Government of India has allowed the Artiya Commission @ Rs. 45.88/ quintal for paddy, which led to unrest among the Artiyas.

The Chief Minister said that the state Government has already requested the Government of India for early resolution of these issues but these issues are still pending. He said that further delay in resolution of this issue may lead to avoidable unrest or agitation among the Artiya community leading to disruption in the smooth procurement process in the State. So, Bhagwant Singh Mann urged the Union Home Minister to kindly direct the concerned authorities to finalize/revise the Artiya Commission rates at the earliest.

Raising the issue of movement of Rice and construction of covered godowns under peg scheme in the state, the Chief Minister said that Punjab has a total covered storage capacity to the tune of approximately 180 LMT, against which nearly 171 LMT food grain stocks (140 LMT rice and 31 LMT wheat) are lying stored in the covered space as of now. For the ongoing KMS 2025-26, he said that the delivery of Custom Milled Rice by millers will start in December 2025 and 117-120 LMT rice is to be delivered to the FCI till June 30, 2026. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as of now, only 9 LMT covered space is available for receipt of rice and only 5 LMT rice has been moved from the state since the last two months, as per which only 19 LMT space will become available by December 2025 and 100 LMT space would be required by June 2026 to complete the delivery of Rice of KMS 2025-26 in time.

Accordingly, the Chief Minister said that atleast movement of 10-12 LMT rice is required every month till June, 2026 adding that in view of this, it is requested to ensure this movement of Rice, so that the milling of rice of KMS 2025-26 could be completed by June 30, 2026 in larger public interest in this Border sensitive State. He further said that Government of India had approved a capacity of 60 LMT for the creation of covered godowns under 10-year guarantee PEG Scheme in the state, to phase out open storage in a phased manner. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the rates of PEG godowns being discovered through open, competitive and fair tendering, may be accepted or alternatively a viable rate be set as the benchmark other than CWC rates to overcome the given position.

Highlighting the issue of arrangements of DAP for rabi 2025-26 for the state, the Chief Minister said that an estimated 35 lakh hectares will be under wheat cultivation, requiring approximately 5.00 lakh MT of DAP Fertilizer. Unfortunately, he said that a persistent shortage of phosphatic fertilizers, specifically DAP during this critical period is unwarranted . Bhagwant Singh Mann said that DAP is an essential input for ensuring optimum production of wheat, potato and other rabi crops.

The Chief Minister said that the state has already experienced inadequate supplies of DAP during the current kharif season, with actual deliveries falling short of allocated quantities barring the month of July. He said that Punjab is providing nearly 50% of the buffer stocks procured annually by the FCI, any drop in wheat production due to insufficient fertilizer will have serious implications for our national food security. Therefore, Bhagwant Singh Mann sought maximum allocations and timely supply of DAP and other phosphatic fertilizers to the State of Punjab during the months of August to September.

The Chief Minister further sought Union Home Minister’s intervention for immediate clearance of General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) for the proposed rail over bridge (rob) at level crossing no.62-a, Sheron distributor, Rajpura – Bathinda line, Dhuri, district Sangrur (Punjab). He said that construction of ROB has been identified as a critical infrastructure project that will not only alleviate the ongoing traffic issues but will also substantially improve road safety, ease the flow of vehicles and bolster connectivity within this important region of Punjab adding that full cost of Rs.54 crore required for the execution of this project will be entirely borne by the Government of Punjab. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the timely progression of the project is currently hindered by the pending clearance of the General Arrangement Drawing (GAD) by the Indian Railways.

Seeking forward shifting of border security fence towards international border wherever possible without compromising on national security, the Chief Minister said that as per international norms, construction can be made beyond 150 meters of Zero Line. However, he said that at some places in Punjab, the Border Security Fence is at a large distance away from the zero line, so a large chunk of farming land lies between the International Border and the existing fence. As a result, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that a large number of farmers have to go across the Border Fence to cultivate this land due to which they face huge difficulties on a daily basis.

The Chief Minister said that this increases the workload of BSF also and the Government has to pay substantial compensation to these farmers. In view of this, he requested that BSF may kindly be directed to explore the possibility of shifting the Border Fence towards International Border, wherever possible without compromising on national security. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he has already flagged the issue with the Government of India but the matter is still pending.

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"FINANCE MINISTER HARPAL CHEEMA HOLDS IMPRESSIVE MEETING WITH CHAIRMAN 16TH FINANCE COMMISSION, DEMANDS SPECIAL PACKAGE OF RS 20,000 CRORE

ALSO SEEKS CONVERSION OF SDRF TO NON-INTEREST BEARING RESERVE

REITERATES STATE DEMAND OF 50% SHARE IN DIVISIBLE POOL, AND INCLUSION OF CESSES, SURCHARGES, AND SELECT NON-TAX REVENUE IN THIS POOL

Chandigarh/New Delhi, September 30-A high-level delegation of the Punjab Government comprising Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema, Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, and Additional Chief Secretary, Home Affairs and Finance, Alok Shekhar, on Tuesday called on the Chairman of the 16th Finance Commission Dr. Arvind Panagariya in Delhi to present a forceful case for the special long term rehabilitation package to state, citing the recent experience with devastating floods, among the worst in decades, which caused an estimated damage of Rs 20,000 Crores, particularly in border areas, to crops, homes, and infrastructure.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema highlighted the immense strain placed on Punjab’s finances due to its unique status as a frontline border state, recent natural calamities, and the structural disadvantages arising from the shift to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. He initiated the discussion by addressing the immediate need to reform the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms. He underscored that existing SDRF norms proved too restrictive and rigid, severely constraining the State Government’s ability to provide timely and adequate relief. He emphasised that it is therefore imperative that these guidelines be comprehensively reviewed to incorporate flexibility and provisions for state-specific disasters.

Furthermore, the Finance Minister stressed that the SDRF must be converted into a non-interest-bearing reserve fund, akin to the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), noting that Punjab’s fund currently holds a gigantic interest accumulation of Rs 7,623 Crores out of a total balance of Rs 12,268 Crores. The Chairman of the Finance Commission acknowledged the concern raised by the Punjab Finance Minister and assured that it would be discussed with the Commission members in their upcoming meeting.

Reiterating the demands put forth by the state in the last meeting with the 16th Finance Commission, the Finance Minister also made a compelling argument for dedicated financial support to states sharing a hostile border. He informed the Commission that the heightened tensions with Pakistan, particularly in the wake of Operation Sindhoor earlier this year, caused massive economic losses to the state’s border districts through repeated disruptions to daily life, industrial activity, and the movement of goods. “Punjab continues to face unique security challenges, including drone incursions, cross-border smuggling, and narco-terrorism, which demand constant, heavy investment in security and law enforcement”, he added.

The Finance Minister apprised the Chairman that the state is investing heavily in infrastructure and police modernisation to create an effective second line of defence in support of the Border Security Force (BSF). The Minister requested a dedicated Border Area Package to strengthen police forces and law enforcement infrastructure, for which the state has requested Rs 2,982 Crores in its memorandum to the Commission. He said that this support is crucial for ensuring both national security and regional stability.

Finance Minister Cheema also sought a special Industrial Package for Border Districts. He said that these districts consistently lag behind the state average in per capita income due to limited industrial activity caused by border tensions. “The closure of the Wagah border, once a vital trade corridor, has caused estimated losses of Rs 5,000 – 8,000 Crores per annum, further exacerbating the economic setback. To correct this structural disadvantage and foster inclusive growth, a special industrial development package is essential to revive industry and generate employment”, said Cheema.

Punjab has demanded a total of Rs 6,000 Crores for this package, encompassing funds for industrial development, maintenance, and incentives, drawing a parallel to similar packages already announced for neighbouring regions like Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir.

The Finance Minister also addressed the adverse fiscal effects of implementing the GST regime. He said, “Punjab has incurred a permanent loss of Rs 49,727 Crores per annum due to the subsuming of various state taxes for which no compensation has been provided, a figure further compounded by the expected impact of recent GST rationalisation on state finances.”

To ensure greater fiscal space and fairness for the states, the Finance Minister proposed significant recommendations to the 16th Finance Commission. The major suggestions put forth include increasing the share of states to 50% of the Divisible Pool (up from the current 42%), as well as the inclusion of cesses, surcharges, and select non-tax revenue in the Divisible Pool. Additionally, the Finance Minister requested a developmental grant of Rs 75,000 Crores for the State of Punjab, on the lines of the Revenue Deficit Grant provided by the 15th Finance Commission.

In conclusion, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema presented the state’s latest fiscal indicators, noting a Revenue Deficit of Rs 23,957 Crores and a Fiscal Deficit of Rs 34,201 Crores for FY 2025-26, with the Debt-to-GSDP Ratio standing at 44.50%. He reiterated that a favourable recommendation by the 16th Finance Commission is indispensable for Punjab to meet its critical security obligations and reverse its economic disadvantages.

The meeting took place in a productive atmosphere, with Finance Commission Chairman Dr Arvind Panagariya assuring the delegation that the points raised would be carefully considered.

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HARDEEP SINGH MUNDIAN AND LALJIT SINGH BHULLAR KICK START “MERA GHAR, MERA MAAN” SCHEME FROM TARN TARAN

PROPERTY CARDS DISTRIBUTED TO BENEFICIARIES OF 11 VILLAGES GRANTED OWNERSHIP RIGHTS OF LAND FALLING UNDER LAL LAKIR

"PROPERTY CARD TO SERVE AS A CLEAR, DIGITAL AND GOVT-RECOGNIZED RECORD OF LAND OWNERSHIP"

Chandigarh/Tarn Taran, September 30:Punjab Cabinet Ministers S. Hardeep Singh Mundian and S. Laljit Singh Bhullar today kick started the “Mera Ghar, Mera Maan” scheme from Tarn Taran district and distributed property cards to beneficiaries of 11 villages of Tarn Taran constituency who are given ownership rights of land and properties located within Lal Lakir. Constituency in-charge S. Harmeet Singh Sandhu, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajdeep Singh Brar, SDM Tarn Taran Mr. Gurmeet Singh and District Revenue Officer Mr. Gurpreet Singh Dhillon were also present on this occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Cabinet Minister S. Hardeep Singh Mundian said, "the day was historic as the Mann government was handing over ownership rights of properties to the people." He said that “Mera Ghar, Mera Maan” campaign starting from Tarn Taran will usher in a new revolution across Punjab. The Cabinet Minister informed that the scheme is being implemented in mission mode and will cover the entire state by December 2026. He said this initiative will give ownership rights to residents living within Abadi Deh areas commonly known as Lal Lakir.

S. Mundian informed the beneficiaries that the property card will serve as a clear, digital and government-certified record of ownership of their land. “No one will ever question your ownership now. These cards will also act as guarantee papers in banks enabling you to avail loans with ease,” said the Cabinet Minister, adding that land covered under Lal Lakir can now be sold without fear or complications, as these cards will assure buyers that the land is clear and owned by the seller. This will make transactions easy and transparent while putting an end to long-standing disputes and giving future generations clear inheritance rights.

S. Hardeep Singh Mundian underlined that “Mera Ghar, Mera Maan” is not just a scheme but a solemn commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government. The objective is to empower every citizen and make them self-reliant. “This property card is like an Aadhaar card for your land, a guarantee for your next generation’s property rights,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Cabinet Minister S. Laljit Singh Bhullar said that Mann Government has rolled out several welfare schemes and launched numerous development projects for holistic growth of the state. The promises made by the Aam Aadmi Party before elections have been fulfilled in true spirit. “Mera Ghar, Mera Maan” scheme will benefit thousands of families and lakhs of citizens across Punjab, he added.

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Micro Irrigation Key to Saving Groundwater, Boosting Potato Productivity: Barinder Kumar Goyal

Inaugurates Workshop for promoting micro irrigation in Potato Cultivation at Mohali

Inaugurates Upgraded and Renovated Auditorium

Launches e-approval portal for timely sanctions of tenders

Reiterates, Mann Govt's Commitment to provide canal water for 100 percent irrigation

Chandigarh/SAS Nagar, September 30:Punjab Soil & Water Conservation Minister, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal, today emphasized that promotion of micro irrigation systems is the need of the hour to save the fast-depleting groundwater resources of the state and to enhance crop productivity, especially in potato cultivation.

Addressing a one-day workshop on Promotion of Micro Irrigation in Potato Cultivation organized at Soil Conservation Complex, Phase 6, Mohali, the Minister said that micro irrigation—comprising drip and sprinkler systems—not only ensures judicious use of water but also enables efficient application of fertilizers and pesticides directly to the root zone. “Adopting these systems helps farmers save up to 50% water while simultaneously improving per acre yield and quality of produce,” he stated.

Highlighting Punjab’s strength in potato production, Sh. Goyal said the state contributes nearly 60 percent of its' production as country’s fine quality seed potato. “Micro irrigation plays a crucial role in maintaining uniformity in size, reducing grading costs, and ensuring better market acceptance of the produce,” he added.

He said that for installation of micro irrigation system, Punjab State provides 80 percent subsidy for general category while 90 percent for Women, Small, Marginal and SC farmers. The implementation of programme is fully online as farmer can avail benefit of this scheme from the comfort of his home.

The Minister further informed that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to water conservation through multiple initiatives. “Canal irrigation coverage in Punjab has already been enhanced from 21% to 64%, and the remaining 36% area will also be brought under canal irrigation soon. Canal water is not only a sustainable alternative to groundwater but also enriches soil health with vital minerals and micronutrients,” he remarked.

Soil and Water Conservation Minister Goyal also launched an e approval portal on this occasion to facilitate the contractors/firms participating in micro irrigation tender system in a time-bound manner. He also inaugurated the upgraded and renovated buliding of the auditorium before the start of workshop.

The workshop, attended by farmers, experts, micro irrigation equipment manufacturers and procuring agencies, also saw participation from Punjab Agricultural University, Central Potato Research Institute, Centre of Excellence for Vegetables Kartarpur, Punjab State Science and Technology Council, and officials from Agriculture, Horticulture and Water Resources Departments.

Sh. Mohinder Singh Saini, Chief Conservator of Soil, Punjab, welcomed the dignitaries and provided an overview of the department’s role in conserving soil and water resources. Shalinder Kaur, Director, Horticulture Department, Punjab briefed the audience about the Potato Cultivation and importance of Micro Irrigation in it.

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We are committed to making Punjab the first choice of investors, Says Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora

Chandigarh/New Delhi, 30 September 2025:Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora informed that Government of Punjab, through Invest Punjab, continued its domestic outreach today with a dedicated roadshow in New Delhi, as part of the build-up to the 6th edition of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit 2026, scheduled from 13–15 March in Mohali. The day-long programme included a series of focused business-to-business meetings with leading corporates and culminated in the Punjab Session – Dialogue with Industry Leaders.

The Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, led the delegation, accompanied by Minister for Industries & Commerce and Investment Promotion, Shri Sanjeev Arora, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, IAS, Administrative Secretary Investment Promotion K.K. Yadav, IAS, Vice Chairperson of Punjab Development Commission Smt. Seema Bansal, CEO Invest Punjab Amit Dhaka, IAS, and senior officials.

Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora said that throughout the day, the delegation engaged with prominent corporates including CNH Industrial, AIPL, IHCL (Taj Hotels), ACME Solar, LT Foods, ITC, Info Edge, Haldirams Foods, RJ Corp, Frontline Group, Medanta Group and others. Discussions centered on Punjab’s opportunities across agriculture and food processing, hospitality, IT and digital services, renewable energy, healthcare, automobiles, FMCG, and industrial infrastructure. In addition, Mr. Bikram Sihag from Veerka also met the delegation who recently invested Rs.987 Cr in Punjab in beverages and food processing sector.

The evening Punjab Session featured the Advantage Punjab AV presentation, followed by experience sharing by Mr. Nikesh Sinha (Sone Solar), Mr. Rahul Goel (Vincit Labs), and Mr. Anil Rajput (ITC). Ms. Nivruti Rai, MD of Invest India, delivered a special guest address, commending Punjab’s reform-oriented approach and investor-centric policies. The session also saw enthusiastic participation from members of YPO, CII, and other leading industry associations, adding weight to the dialogue, said Sanjeev Arora.

Chief Secretary Shri K.A.P. Sinha emphasized Punjab’s transparent governance and proactive regulatory reforms. Minister Shri Sanjeev Arora highlighted the state government’s continuous focus on improving the business environment, stating: “Punjab’s policy framework is being strengthened with bold reforms such as the Right to Business Act, ensuring that investors find ease, responsiveness, and certainty when they choose Punjab.”

As a key highlight of the roadshow, Mohali was positioned as the next hub of growth for Punjab—emerging strongly in the fields of AI, Global Capability Centres, data centres, semiconductors, and electronics. With its clean air, decongested roads, and the presence of world-class universities and research institutions, Mohali is being increasingly recognised as the “next Gurugram of Punjab”, Sanjeev Arora added.

The Delhi roadshow concluded with an interactive open house. Industry representatives expressed keen interest to invest in Punjab, reinforcing the state’s positioning as one of North India’s most promising investment destinations.