Release all funds of state worth Rs 60,000 crore stuck with GOI: Bhagwant Mann urges PM

Writes letter to PM, apprises him about grim situation about floods in state

Seeks upward revision in the norms of compensation of SDRF for giving Rs 50,000 to farmers for their loss

Chandigarh, August 31-Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday sought immediate intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release all funds of state worth Rs 60,000 crore stuck with Government of India.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Bhagwant Singh Mann apprised him that Punjab is currently grappling with one of the

worst flood disasters in decades, impacting about 1000 villages and affecting lakhs of people. The Chief Minister said that heavy monsoon rains, coupled with the release of waters from dams, have caused extensive flooding in seven districts, namely Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka and Hoshiarpur. He said that the situation is still evolving as there is a grave concern that conditions may further deteriorate in the coming days.

The Chief Minister said that at present, about three lakh acres of farmland, primarily paddy fields,

remain submerged under floodwater, leading to devastating crop losses just weeks before harvest. In addition, he said that there has been a widespread loss of livestock, which is severely impacting rural households whose

livelihoods are heavily dependent on dairy and animal husbandry. Bhagwant Singh Mann also apprised the Prime Minister that permanent loss of revenue on account of implementation of

GST and transition from VAT Regime is Rs 49,727 Crore for which no compensation has been provided by GoI.

Likewise, the Chief Minister said that reduction of RDF and MDF in last few years has ballooned to over Rs 8,000 Crore adding that recently Government of India has also scrapped pMcsy projects in Punjab amounting to 828 Crore. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that this can adversely impacted state's rural connectivity in long-run adding that Punjab is facing tough time due to worst flood conditions. He requested the Prime Minister to release all funds of Punjab stuck with Government of India, which is to the tune of Rs. 60,000 crores.

The Chief Minister said that While substantial funds are available in the State Disaster Response

Fund(SDRF), the existing norms prescribed under the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs remain grossly inadequate to compensate farmers, livestock owners, and vulnerable communities for the scale of their losses. He said that the notified norms are totally unrealistic as compared to actual losses been suffered by the farmers. Citing an example, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that input subsidy where crop loss is 33% and above has been fixed as Rs. 17,000 per hectare, this translate into Rs. 6,800/- per acre.

The Chief minister said that Paying such a petty amount would be a cruel joke with the farmers due to which the State Government contributes additional Rs. 8,200/- per acre and pays Rs. 15,000/- per acre to the farmers. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that since the crops are almost at the harvesting stage, so at least Rs. 50,000/- per acre should be paid to the farmers. Seeking revision in the norms of compensation of SDRF, he said that needless to say that State Government shall continue to contribute 25% as per scheme of SDRF.

========================================

HEALTH MINISTER DR. BALBIR SINGH VISITS FLOOD-AFFECTED AREAS OF GURDASPUR, PERSONALLY PLEDGES FINANCIAL AID

— Punjab Government stands firmly with flood affected peoples in this hour of crisis, says DR. Balbir Singh

— Reviews medical services at relief camps, says no stone will be left unturned in providing healthcare

— To personally Provide financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each to one affected farmer family and one labourer family, announces Health Minister

CHANDIGARH/GURDASPUR, August 31:Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, today visited the flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur district. The Minister visited relief camps set up by the district administration in villages Narhawali, Kalanor, Machrala, Pakhoke, and Dera Baba Nanak to review the health services being provided to people by the Health Department.

During the visit, Dr. Balbir Singh distributed relief materials to individuals at the camps and assured them that the Punjab Government stands firmly with them during this difficult time. He stated that the Health Department will leave no stone unturned in providing health services to people in the flood-affected areas.

Interacting with media persons, the Health Minister said he is touring the flood-affected areas of the state and that people have suffered significant losses due to the floods. He emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the entire Punjab Government is working relentlessly to help the victims in every way possible. He noted that the state government first safely evacuated people from the affected areas and that relief operations are ongoing, with essential supplies being continuously delivered to those in need. Arrangements for fodder for livestock are also being made, with significant support from social service organizations.

Dr. Balbir Singh stated that Health Department teams are working continuously in the flood-affected areas to ensure people face no health problems. He informed that special medical camps are being organized and that necessary steps have been taken to prevent the spread of diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Diarrhoea from the floodwaters. The Minister informed that he has also requested 100 ambulances with paramedical staff from the Indian Medical Association, which will arrive soon.

Acknowledging the extensive damage to crops and houses, Dr. Balbir Singh announced that while the Punjab Government is helping the affected families in every possible way, he will personally provide financial assistance of ₹1 lakh each to one flood-affected farmer family and one labourer family. Additionally, in line with the Punjab Government's decision, he will donate one month's salary to aid the flood-affected people. He also appealed to NRIs and social service institutions to come forward and help the victims.

During the tour, the Health Minister also visited the Community Health Centre in Kalanaur.

Civil Surgeon Gurdaspur, Dr. Jaswinder Singh, informed the Minister that besides organizing medical camps, Health Department teams are conducting water sampling, health awareness drives, and rescuing patients in the affected villages. All necessary health services are being provided, and medicines are being given free of cost to patients.

He detailed that 3 Rapid Response Teams have been formed at the district level and 19 at the block level. For public convenience, 38 mobile medical teams are providing services in the flood-affected areas. The health department has 6 of its own ambulances and 18 from 108 service operational for the public. Teams have been provided with on-the-spot water testing kits to check the quality of drinking water immediately, and chlorination of water is being carried out by the Health Department.

The Health Minister was accompanied by his wife Mrs. Rupinderjit Saini, newly appointed Chairman of the District Planning Committee and AAP District President Joban Randhawa, Chairman Balwinder Singh Haruwal, SDM Kalanaur Jyotsana Singh, SDM Dera Baba Nanak Dr. Aditya Sharma, SDM Fatehgarh Churian Gurmandar Singh, Tehsildar Rajinder Singh, District Media Incharge Mukhdev Singh Alowal, and other officers of the Health Department.

=========================================

PUNJAB CABINET MONITORS RELIEF AND REHABILITATION ACTIVITIES IN FLOOD-AFFECTED VILLAGES

*Punjab Government Ensures Assistance and Support for Flood-Affected People at Ground Level*

*Cabinet Ministers Review Relief Efforts in Flood-Hit Areas*

Chandigarh, August 31-In the wake of recent floods, the Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively engaged in a comprehensive relief and rehabilitation effort. The Chief Minister and his cabinet ministers are conducting continuous tours of affected areas to ensure that necessary aid reaches residents and to personally oversee the administration's relief operations.

Members of the government and key officials have been mobilizing resources and providing on-the-ground support. Member of Parliament Dr. Raj Kumar Chabbewal has approved ₹50 lakh from his MPLAD fund for flood relief and rehabilitation in Hoshiarpur district. This funding will be directed toward reinforcing and repairing the Dhussi Dam embankment in the Mukerian constituency and the Kukran Dam in the Chabbewal constituency, both of which were significantly damaged by the recent floods.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema visited the Khanauri Headworks to assess the situation of the Ghaggar River, noting that the water level is currently at 743.7 feet, well below the danger mark of 748 feet. He assured the public that the situation is under control and appealed to the Union Government to urge the Haryana government to withdraw the stay on widening the Ghaggar River as this would allow the Punjab government to broaden and strengthen the river's banks, enhancing the safety of its citizens.

Cabinet Minister Aman Arora, accompanied by Cabinet Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, visited the Ajnala constituency to review ongoing relief work. The ministers toured the most severely affected village, Ghonewal, reaching it by tractor amidst heavy rain. Moved by the devastation, Arora affirmed the government's commitment to compensating residents for their losses.

Similarly, Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur personally distributed relief materials to flood-affected individuals near the Chand Bhan drain in Fazilka district. She said that over ₹70 lakh in relief supplies, including 4,558 ration kits and 2,017 bags of cattle feed, have been distributed in the Fazilka constituency. Sanitary pads and mosquito nets were also provided to women, while old-age homes have been opened for affected senior citizens, and all necessary facilities are being provided at relief camps.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh, along with MLA Gurdeep Singh Randhawa, visited the flood-affected areas of Gurdaspur district. The Health Minister visited relief camps set up by the district administration in villages Narhawali, Kalanor, Machrala, Pakhoke, and Dera Baba Nanak to review the health services being provided to people by the Health Department.

Local Government Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, accompanied by Tanda MLA Jasvir Singh Raja Gill, inspected the Dhussi Dam embankment on the Beas River bridge connecting Tanda and Sri Hargobindpur. He instructed officials to take immediate steps to strengthen and secure the Dhussi. He also visited a relief camp in Miyani village to assess the needs of affected families.

Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, during "Sada MLA Sade Vich " program, announced that a long-standing issue of villages near the Bhakhra Dam being hit by floods has been resolved. He said that the Punjab government has spent ₹15 crore to build spurs and strengthen the banks of the Sutlej River in the Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency, protecting the area from floods this year. He is regularly monitoring villages of Beleyan at Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency.

The work of distributing relief materials is continuously going on in the flood affected areas of Bhoa assembly constituency of Pathankot district. Mr. Lal Chand Kataruchak Cabinet Minister Punjab today distributed relief materials in villages Bamiyal, Palah, Chak Amir and other villages of Bamiyal area.

In the Patti constituency, Cabinet Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar toured flood-affected areas, visiting villages like Jalloke, Kot Buddha, Bhaowal, and Rasulpur. He provided essential items, including ration, medicine, tarpaulins, and fodder for livestock, to the residents.

Following Chief Minister Mann's instructions, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha also visited the flood-affected areas of Ajnala and Ramdas in Amritsar district. He reviewed the arrangements at the relief center in Chamiari village, accompanied by senior officials, including Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Krishan Kumar, Administrative Secretaries Kamal Kishore Yadav, Varun Roojam, and Basant Garg.

===================================

AMAN ARORA SEEKS RELEASE OF ₹60K CRORE STALLED FUNDS, DEMANDS 3-FOLD HIKE IN FLOOD COMPENSATION

• Secure special package for the state instead of indulging in photo ops, Aman Arora asks BJP’s Punjab Leadership

• AAP State President Arora also visits flood-affected areas in Ajnala and Ramdas to assess damage caused by floods

CHANDIGARH/AMRITSAR, August 31:After visiting the flood-hit areas in Amritsar district, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora today urged the Central Government to immediately release Rs 60,000 crore stalled funds and also demanded to triple the compensation amount for flood victims in the state.

He, along with PWD Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO and MLA S. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, was addressing a press conference at Circuit House in Amritsar, on Sunday, following his visit to flood-affected areas in Ajnala and Ramdas.

He assessed the damage caused by the floods and oversaw relief operations carried by district administration. He emphasised the need for immediate action to support the people affected by the floods. He also highlighted the state government's efforts to rescue people, their animals, and belongings, and provide essential supplies like food and medicine. He also attributed the flooding to cloudbursts in hilly areas and stated that a preliminary assessment is underway.

Highlighting the dire situation, Mr. Aman Arora stated that approximately 3 lakh acres of farmland, mainly paddy fields, are still submerged under floodwater, resulting in massive crop losses just weeks before harvest. Furthermore, widespread loss of livestock is severely affecting rural households that rely heavily on dairy and animal husbandry for their livelihood.

Launching a scathing attack on the BJP-led Central Government, Mr Aman Arora accused the union government of step-motherly treatment towards Punjab. He emphasised that the Centre must take responsibility for Punjab's plight and provide immediate assistance. He highlighted that the Centre Government has scrapped Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) projects worth Rs. 828 crore in Punjab, which would adversely impacted state’s rural connectivity in long-run.

He noted that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann has already written to Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, urging him to intervene and release funds to support the flood-affected families.

Mr. Aman Arora shared that the current compensation for flood victims is inadequate, citing Rs 6,800 per acre for crop damage, paying such a petty amount would be a cruel joke with the “Annadata”, Rs 1.20 lakh for damaged houses and Rs 4 lakh in case of death. He demanded that at-least Rs 50,000 per acre should be paid to the farmers and the compensation for other losses should also be hiked to ensure sufficient relief to affected families.

Mr. Aman Arora pointed out that Punjab has suffered significant revenue losses of approximately Rs 50,000 crore over the past years due to implementation of the GST regime and Rs. 8,000 crore has been withheld in Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF). Despite these facts, the Central Government has not provided any compensation or special package for the state, he added.

Mr. Aman Arora urged the BJP leadership in Punjab to prioritise securing a special package for the state instead of indulging in photo ops in flood-affected areas. "It's time for the Central Government to take concrete steps to support Punjab in this hour of need," he stressed.