631 Farmers Receive Cheques Worth ₹5.70 Crore; Punjab Becomes First State to Offer ₹20,000 per Acre Compensation
Ajnala (Amritsar), October 13:
Fulfilling its promise and setting a new record in public service, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today handed over compensation cheques worth ₹5.70 crore to 631 flood-affected farmers of Amritsar district — all within just 30 days, well before the announced 45-day deadline.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister said that on September 11, he had promised that compensation would be distributed within 45 days of completing the special Girdauri (survey). “I am proud that our team has started delivering relief ahead of schedule,” he said, commending the Revenue Department and district administration for their tireless work.
Mann expressed deep sympathy for flood-affected families, noting that the disaster had caused widespread devastation across Punjab. “No other state could have recovered so swiftly. The resilience and unity of Punjab’s people are unmatched,” he added.
Highlighting Punjab’s critical contribution to national food security, the Chief Minister said, “When Punjab’s farmers suffer, the whole nation feels the impact. Our farmers feed the country, and our soldiers guard its borders.”
The CM launched the Mission Chardi Kala initiative to help victims rebuild their lives, urging philanthropists worldwide to contribute through the official portal — rangla.punjab.gov.in.
Flood Impact and Relief Details
In Amritsar district alone:
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198 villages were affected
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59,793 acres of crops damaged
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958 houses completely destroyed; 3,711 partially damaged
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307 cattle lost
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10 lives lost (families already compensated with ₹4 lakh each)
Today, 669 individuals received a total of ₹6.7 crore for losses related to crops, houses, and livestock. Compensation distribution across the remaining 19 districts will begin from Tuesday, covering 825 villages.
The CM revealed that the survey identified 3.5 lakh acres of severely damaged crops across 2,508 villages, and objections have already been resolved in 825 villages.
Historic Compensation Package
Punjab has become the first state in India to provide ₹20,000 per acre compensation to affected farmers.
Under the SDRF, only ₹6,800 per acre (including ₹1,700 state share) is permitted, but the Punjab Government has added ₹13,200 extra from its own funds, raising the total to ₹20,000 per acre.
Further, compensation for damaged houses has been significantly enhanced:
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₹1,20,000 for fully collapsed houses
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₹40,000 for partially damaged houses (previously ₹6,500)
For livestock loss:
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1,766 cattle and 2.2 lakh poultry birds perished
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₹7 crore will be disbursed as compensation
The CM also announced a major policy reform — “Jisda Khet, Ohdi Ret”, allowing farmers to freely remove or sell sand and silt deposited on their fields without requiring permits.
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Additional Relief Measures
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Free wheat seeds for 5 lakh acres of flood-affected land
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Free health camps and vaccination drives for livestock in affected villages
Criticism of Opposition and Centre
Mann said that earlier governments’ compensation efforts were “a sham,” offering meagre relief. He criticized opposition leaders for visiting flood areas merely for “photo ops” and accused the Union Government of delaying funds. “We are not begging — we only seek Punjab’s rightful share,” he asserted.
Development and Governance Highlights
The CM also outlined key achievements of his government:
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55,000+ government jobs given on merit
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881 Aam Aadmi Clinics operational (soon to cross 1,000), providing free medicine to 1.75 crore people
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Schools of Eminence producing record results — 265 students cleared JEE Mains, 44 JEE Advanced, and 848 NEET
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Sadak Surakhya Force reduced road accident fatalities by 48%, praised by the Centre
On Drug Trade and Opposition Politics
Mann reiterated his firm stand against drug mafia leaders, saying those who once used government vehicles to peddle drugs are now behind bars. He took a swipe at opposition leaders, including Navjot Singh Sidhu, remarking, “Politics is not a 9-to-5 job. Leaders must live among people, not post pictures from Delhi.”
Concluding, the Chief Minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and people-first governance. “The people of Punjab have given us this opportunity to serve — we will not let them down,” he said.
On the occasion, Cabinet Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and other dignitaries were also present.
