Should PM Modi Increase the Punjab Relief of ₹1,600 Crore?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a recent statement, SAD President Sukhbir Badal has called for increased financial support from PM Modi for Punjab's flood relief. With extensive damage to crops and homes, he argues that the current aid is insufficient. Explore the implications of this appeal and the government's response in our detailed report.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's financial support for Punjab is currently set at ₹1,600 crore.
- Sukhbir Badal emphasizes the need for increased assistance due to extensive disaster damage.
- A proposed loan waiver could help farmers recover.
- The AAP government has faced criticism for not releasing necessary funds.
- Compensation policies need transparency and inclusivity.
Chandigarh, Sep 9 (NationPress) - The President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Badal, has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi to consider increasing the financial aid of ₹1,600 crore that was announced for Punjab during his recent visit to the flood-impacted regions of the state.
Badal emphasized that the scale of the flooding and the consequent destruction of crops and livelihoods necessitates a reassessment of the relief package.
He also urged the Prime Minister to contemplate a one-time loan waiver for those affected by the floods, indicating that farmers may need two to three years to recover fully and should receive support during this challenging time.
Furthermore, Badal criticized the AAP government, asserting that the Prime Minister's visit revealed the state government's shortcomings in accessing funds from the ₹12,000 crore Disaster Management Fund allocated for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
"Punjab has been grappling with floods for over 20 days. Vast stretches of farmland have been inundated, thousands of homes have sustained damage, and livestock has perished in the floodwaters. Despite the severity of the crisis, the AAP government has failed to release necessary funds, exacerbating the plight of the people. This indicates a failure on the part of the state to effectively present its case to the Centre, and it must provide an explanation for this negligence," he stated.
Badal further pointed out that the state government's inability to allocate funds for strengthening embankments prior to their breach has led to substantial losses of paddy crops across thousands of acres.
"The state government has left its citizens to fend for themselves, relying on the resilience of the Punjabi people to support one another during this crisis," he asserted.
Addressing the compensation strategies proposed by the AAP government for crop damages, Badal stated that the criteria for fund distribution should be made transparent. "Previously, the state has restricted compensation to just five acres per farmer," he noted.
He demanded that the government also compensate farmers cultivating crops on riverbeds on ‘kutcha’ land, who were denied relief in both 2019 and 2023.
"Compensation should extend to losses incurred by tubewells, borewells, homes, livestock, and household items," he added.
Badal expressed his concern that agricultural laborers, or ‘khet mazdoor’, have been excluded from the compensation framework established by the state government. "In addition to the ongoing loss of income due to the floods, countless homes belonging to laborers from disadvantaged backgrounds have been damaged. They must be given compensation as a priority," he concluded.
Point of View
It is crucial to acknowledge the plight of those affected by natural disasters such as the floods in Punjab. The calls for increased financial assistance reflect the pressing needs of the state's farmers and residents. It is essential for governments at all levels to collaborate effectively and ensure that relief reaches those in need promptly, reinforcing a commitment to the welfare of citizens.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the financial assistance announced for Punjab?
The financial assistance announced for Punjab during PM Modi's visit is ₹1,600 crore.
Why is Sukhbir Badal calling for increased assistance?
Sukhbir Badal argues that the scale of the floods and damage to crops and livelihoods necessitates an increase in financial aid.
What additional support does Badal propose?
Badal has proposed a one-time loan waiver for farmers affected by the floods.
How has the AAP government responded to the flooding?
Badal criticized the AAP government for failing to utilize funds from the Disaster Management Fund for flood relief and rehabilitation.
What compensation policies does Badal want to see changed?
Badal wants the compensation policy to include farmers on riverbeds and extend to agricultural laborers and losses incurred by households and livestock.
