Punjab CM Announces Rs 7,200 Per Acre for Farmers Under ‘Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret’ Scheme
Chandigarh, September 29
In a significant relief package for flood-affected regions, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced a compensation of Rs 7,200 per acre for farmers under the ‘Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret’ scheme to support desilting of sand and silt from fields in flood-hit districts. The announcement came during a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on September 29, 2025, alongside a slew of measures to aid flood victims and address governance challenges.
‘Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret’ Scheme
CM Mann outlined that the scheme allows farmers to remove sand and silt accumulated in their fields due to floods and sell it if they wish. This initiative targets inundated villages where agricultural land has been severely impacted. The state government will provide Rs 7,200 per acre to assist farmers in restoring their fields for cultivation, ensuring readiness for the upcoming wheat crop season.
Enhanced Compensation for Crop and Property Damage
To provide relief to flood victims, the state government announced significant increases in compensation:
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Crop Loss Compensation (under SDRF norms):
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26-33% crop loss: Increased from Rs 2,000 to Rs 10,000 per acre.
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33-75% crop loss: Increased from Rs 6,800 to Rs 10,000 per acre.
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75-100% crop loss: Increased from Rs 6,800 to Rs 20,000 per acre, with the state contributing Rs 14,900—the highest in India.
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Property Damage:
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Fully damaged houses: Compensation set at Rs 1.20 lakh.
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Partially damaged houses: Increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 35,100.
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Land Erosion: Farmers whose land was eroded by rivers will receive Rs 47,500 per hectare (approximately Rs 18,800 per acre).
A time-bound special Girdawari is underway to assess losses, with compensation distribution to begin by October 15, 2025, ahead of Diwali.
Additional Relief Measures
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Financial Aid: The state has released Rs 4.50 crore for waterlogged areas to support immediate rehabilitation efforts.
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Advanced Weather Prediction: Partnerships with IIT Kharagpur, IIT Bangalore, and Thapar University, Patiala, have been established to enhance meteorological forecasting. Thapar University will launch a dedicated satellite to improve weather predictions and minimize losses from natural disasters.
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Rehabilitation Efforts: The state is introducing a bill to streamline rehabilitation, with desilting operations in full swing to prepare fields. Water recharging points will be constructed to address groundwater depletion.
watch….Union Bank’s Generous Rs 2 Crore Donation for Flood Relief
Acknowledgment of Community Efforts
CM Mann praised the selfless contributions of volunteers, including workers from various political parties, philanthropists, the Army, and the NDRF, who provided critical support during the floods. Some philanthropists adopted entire villages for rehabilitation, while volunteers from other states supplied ration and relief materials.
Critique of Central Government
The Chief Minister criticized the Union Government for its inadequate response, accusing it of imposing an “undeclared President’s Rule” in Punjab by undermining the state’s federal rights. He expressed frustration that Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets selected representatives (e.g., the Governor) but ignores elected leaders. Mann also called the Centre’s Rs 1,600 crore relief package a “cruel joke,” noting that it includes Rs 240 crore already owed to Punjab under SDRF norms. He contrasted this with larger relief packages announced for poll-bound states like Bihar, alleging “step-motherly treatment.” Mann plans to raise these concerns with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on September 30, 2025, while demanding a hike in flood compensation to Rs 50,000 per acre.
Response to Opposition
Addressing the opposition, CM Mann defended the Rangla Punjab Fund, established to channel CSR and philanthropic contributions for flood relief. He criticized the Leader of Opposition for opposing the fund without basis and urged unity in supporting flood-affected communities. He also took a swipe at the BJP’s mock Vidhan Sabha session, predicting they would be relegated to “fake Lok Sabha sessions” post-2029 elections.
Drawing a historical parallel, Mann recalled Punjab’s contributions to the National Defence Fund during the 1962 Indo-China War, urging similar unity in the current crisis. He condemned Congress leaders for making baseless remarks, such as claiming the state government had “dug the grave” for its people.
Call for Unity
CM Mann welcomed constructive criticism, describing critics as “true friends” who highlight shortcomings. He urged the opposition to rise above partisan politics and work collaboratively to support flood victims. The state government, he assured, is fully committed to rehabilitation, with the entire machinery working to ensure fields are ready for cultivation and communities are rebuilt.
