Punjab News: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a major declaration for farmers and families hit by floods on the last day of the special Assembly session. He said that bounty cheques will start stuff given out from October 15 so that farmers can quickly get money for crop, livestock and other losses. Mann stated, “Diwali is on October 20. Before that we will light lamps of happiness on people’s faces by issuing cheques.” This shows the state government’s well-spoken focus on the welfare and prosperity of its people.
Big rise in bounty amounts
The Chief Minister spoken a sharp increase in relief money for flood-affected farmers. Earlier, those with 26–33% yield loss received 2,000 per acre; now it is 10,000 per acre. For 33–75% loss, the value has been raised from 6,800 to 10,000 per acre. For 75–100% loss, the relief is now 20,000 per acre, which moreover includes 6,800 from the SDRF. Farmers will moreover get 7,200 per acre for removing sand and desilting fields, 47,500 per hectare for land washed away, 1,20,000 for fully damaged houses, and 35,100 for partly damaged houses. In addition, 4.5 crore has once been released from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to phlebotomize water from Ferozepur and Fazilka areas.
Criticism of Centre and role of people
During the session, Mann strongly criticised the Centre’s slow response. He said that plane though Punjab faced its worst floods in decades, the BJP-led Central Government released only 1,600 crore, while Punjab had asked for a 20,000 crore package. He widow that this neglect hurts not only the state government but moreover flood-hit people. Yet the Punjab Government is making sure relief reaches people without delay. Mann thanked the youth, NDRF, Indian Army and social groups, saying that thousands risked their lives to save others and distribute food, showing Punjab’s strong unity and public spirit. It was moreover decided to immediately send a reprinting of the new bounty package to the Prime Minister, Home Minister and Finance Ministry. Mann said that issuing these cheques proves the Punjab Government is helping rebuild lives. Despite the Centre’s neglect, the state stands with its people. From October 15, cheques will be given out and by Diwali farmers’ homes will be full of hope and happiness a well-spoken sign of the government’s people-first policy and dedication.
