Should the AAP MP Demand a Special Flood Relief Package of Rs 50,000 Crore for Punjab?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Malvinder Singh Kang advocates for a significant relief package.
- 2,500 villages in Punjab have faced severe flooding.
- Over 5 lakh acres of crops have been destroyed.
- The call for government support highlights issues of equity in disaster relief.
- Border districts have been particularly affected.
New Delhi, Dec 3 (NationPress) Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament, Malvinder Singh Kang, highlighted the extensive damage inflicted by catastrophic floods in Punjab during a recent Lok Sabha session.
He implored the central government to allocate a special relief package amounting to Rs 50,000 crore for the regions impacted by the floods. Kang accused the Government of India of bias, emphasizing that after two months, not a single rupee had been disbursed to the 2,500 villages across six districts that suffered from the deluge.
The MP representing Anandpur Sahib pointed out that severe flooding struck Punjab a few months back, devastating approximately 2,500 villages in six districts. He noted that over 5 lakh acres of crops were completely ruined, with the border districts bearing the brunt of the disaster.
“These districts are home to individuals who stood beside the Indian Army during Operation Sindoor,” he remarked.
Expressing his disappointment, Kang stated that despite visits from the Prime Minister and various Union Ministers post-floods, the Government of India has yet to provide any financial assistance to help these districts recover and rehabilitate.
Addressing the Prime Minister directly, he said, “During elections in Bihar, packages of Rs 50,000 crore, Rs 70,000 crore, and even Rs 90,000 crore are announced.”
He underscored that Punjab, which made significant sacrifices during India's freedom struggle and contributed immensely to the nation's food security, has been abandoned during its time of need, stating, “There can be no greater discrimination than this.”
Kang pointed out that neighboring states, Haryana and Rajasthan, which claim Punjab's share of water, have also failed to extend support during this calamity.
He urged the Government of India to promptly release a special fund of Rs 50,000 crore for those in Punjab impacted by the floods, whose homes, hospitals, roads, and infrastructure have been devastated, and whose 5 lakh acres of crops have been lost.
This fund would assist the people of Punjab, especially those in border regions, who valiantly defend the nation, in regaining their footing.