-Government Finalizes Comprehensive Relief Measures
Chandigarh, September 12
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced on Friday that the state government will deliver compensation to all flood-affected victims across Punjab within 45 days, with robust arrangements already in place.
During a high-level meeting at his official residence, CM Mann reiterated his commitment to providing the highest compensation in the country—₹20,000 per acre—for crop damage, a historic milestone for Punjab. He criticized past governments for delays that forced distressed farmers to chase compensation for years. As a farmer’s son, Mann emphasized the urgency of swift relief, vowing not to rest until every affected farmer is compensated. He directed that special “Girdawari” (crop damage assessments) begin on September 13 and be completed within 45 days.
To expedite the process, officers from non-flooded areas will be deployed to affected villages to conduct field inspections and prepare reports. Compensation will cover all damaged crops, regardless of type. Farmers will have one week to raise objections to the reports for corrections. In villages with total crop destruction, the process will conclude within a month, with cheques distributed earlier. Mann highlighted that this timeline marks a significant improvement over previous governments, which took up to a year to disburse funds.
For damaged homes, the government will provide ₹1,20,000 for fully collapsed houses and ₹40,000 for partial damage, a substantial increase from the ₹6,800 offered by earlier administrations. Compensation for livestock losses includes ₹37,500 for cows or buffaloes, ₹4,000 for goats, and payments for other animals like bulls, horses, poultry, and fisheries as per regulations. This process will commence on September 15 and conclude within 45 days, with village-level assessments and a one-week window for objections.
CM Mann will personally monitor the process daily, promising strict action against officers failing to meet timelines. Addressing the tragic loss of lives, he noted that 55 deaths have been confirmed, with cheques issued to 42 families so far. The government is committed to supporting affected families promptly.
watch….Punjab CM Leads Urgent Meeting on Flood Response
Mann also reviewed ground realities, inquiring about water inflow and breach repairs, and directed Deputy Commissioners, who joined virtually, to clear mandis by September 16 to facilitate farmers. He urged the central government to relax norms for house loss compensation and declare Punjab a Severe Natural Disaster-affected state to secure additional funds.
Further, Mann instructed officials to organize medical camps and fogging in every village, involving private doctors, and to test water samples in flood-affected areas to ensure safe drinking water. Electricity has been restored, and repairs to roads and infrastructure are underway. He called on officials to work with missionary zeal to provide relief to flood victims and farmers.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian, Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, and Additional Chief Secretary Anurag Verma.
