Is Governor’s Statement and Centre’s Stance on Floods Unwarranted According to Punjab AAP?
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Synopsis
In a strong response to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria's remarks, Punjab's AAP argues that the Centre's stance on the State Disaster Response Fund is unnecessary. They emphasize the need for rule amendments to better support Punjab amid disasters, urging the government to prioritize people's welfare.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab AAP reacts strongly to Governor's remarks.
- Central government criticized for its stance on SDRF.
- Call for urgent amendments to disaster relief rules.
- Inflation has rendered current compensation rates inadequate.
- Emphasis on prioritizing the welfare of the people.
Chandigarh, Oct 2 (NationPress) The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of Punjab expressed strong discontent on Thursday regarding the comments made by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. He claimed that the state government is treating the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) as if it were its own and insisted that no alterations to the rules governing its usage are feasible.
AAP leaders Baltej Pannu and spokesperson Neel Garg criticized both the Governor's remarks and the stance taken by the Centre, labeling them as unnecessary. They highlighted in their statement that the SDRF is fundamentally meant for state-level disaster relief.
"The Central government allocates this fund specifically for states to assist during emergencies or disasters," they stated.
The AAP leaders accused the BJP-led Centre of hiding behind bureaucratic rules amidst severe natural calamities, asserting that this indicates the Centre's unwillingness to support Punjab during its most significant crisis.
Pannu challenged the Governor, questioning, "If the Prime Minister can frequently meet a Governor but cannot find time for an elected Chief Minister, where does the notion of 'elected' versus 'selected' come into play?"
Garg described the positions taken by the Governor and the Centre as entirely anti-people. He argued that in any welfare state, "rules should be established for the benefit of the populace." He noted that the SDRF regulations were established in 2010, and since then, inflation has surged.
"Consequently, the compensation of Rs 6,800 per acre is unreasonable today, especially when diesel was priced at only Rs 38 per litre at that time," he remarked.
He expressed disappointment that, even after one and a half months since Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reached out to the Prime Minister, no response has been received.
Garg emphasized that statements from the Home Ministry and the Governor merely suggest that the Centre is unwilling to amend the SDRF rules.
He urged the Centre to adopt a more flexible approach, stating, "If we genuinely wish to assist the people, the rules must be revised to meet current demands."
The AAP called on the Central government to adopt a more people-focused perspective and promptly revise the rules to benefit the citizens of Punjab.
Point of View
It is crucial to remain unbiased and uphold the interests of the nation. The AAP's concerns regarding the SDRF highlight a significant dialogue about governance and disaster management. The situation calls for a balanced approach that prioritizes the welfare of the citizens while ensuring that rules serve their intended purpose.
NationPress
02/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF)?
The State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) is a fund allocated by the Central government to assist states during natural disasters and emergencies.
Why is the AAP critical of the Governor's statements?
The AAP believes the Governor's remarks and the Centre's position undermine support for Punjab during a significant calamity.
What changes does the AAP want regarding the SDRF?
The AAP is calling for the rules governing the SDRF to be amended to reflect current economic conditions and support affected individuals adequately.
What has been the Centre's response to the AAP's demands?
The AAP leaders feel that the Centre has shown reluctance to amend the SDRF rules, indicating a lack of support for Punjab.
How does inflation affect the SDRF compensation rates?
The AAP argues that the SDRF compensation rates, established in 2010, are outdated due to significant inflation, making them inadequate for current needs.
