Why was the Cabinet meeting cancelled as Punjab CM is indisposed?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's health has forced the cancellation of a crucial Cabinet meeting amid ongoing flood relief efforts. With thousands affected, the state faces significant challenges in providing aid. Read on to explore the situation, the response from officials, and the call for support from the Central government.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is currently unwell due to fever.
- The Cabinet meeting aimed at addressing flood relief has been cancelled.
- Over 1,698 villages are affected, impacting over 3.80 lakh people.
- Gazetted officers will be deployed in villages to ensure effective communication.
- Finance Minister Cheema has criticized the Central government for its delayed response.
Chandigarh, Sep 5 (NationPress) Due to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's health issues stemming from a severe fever, the Cabinet meeting that was planned for Friday has been called off, as reported by officials.
The Chief Minister had to cancel his trip to flood-affected villages, along with AAP's national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, in Kapurthala district on Thursday at the last moment due to his illness, rendering him unfit for travel.
This Cabinet meeting was set against the backdrop of extensive relief and rescue operations in the flood-devastated state, which has tragically recorded 43 fatalities.
According to government reports, approximately 1,698 villages across 23 districts have been submerged due to the floods, impacting over 3.80 lakh individuals in the region.
Kejriwal mentioned on Thursday that Chief Minister Mann was expected to accompany him in touring the flood-hit areas, but he fell ill after exhausting himself by visiting the region continuously for three to four days without adequate rest or food. 'I saw him this morning and urged him to rest for two days as his health had declined. Even in this state, his primary concern was how to offer maximum relief to the people of Punjab,' he stated.
In the meantime, Chief Minister Mann has mandated the deployment of a gazetted officer in every marooned village to oversee the relief efforts. He emphasized the need for direct communication between the administration and affected residents, ensuring that a gazetted officer is present in each village to address their challenges and facilitate timely and effective solutions.
All Cabinet ministers are actively reaching out to various villages and flood-affected regions to distribute relief supplies and assistance. They are visiting vulnerable areas to bolster river embankments.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has urged the Central government to exhibit the same humanitarian compassion towards Punjab as it has done for Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. He questioned the priorities of the Union government, pointing out the rapid dispatch of relief materials to Afghanistan while flood-stricken Punjab is experiencing delays in receiving much-needed financial and humanitarian aid.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the challenges faced by Punjab amid this natural disaster. The health of the state's leadership significantly impacts ongoing relief efforts. The central government's response will be pivotal in addressing the needs of those affected by the floods, highlighting the importance of timely humanitarian assistance.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Cabinet meeting cancelled?
The Cabinet meeting was cancelled due to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's health issues as he was suffering from a high fever.
How many villages have been affected by the floods?
Approximately 1,698 villages across 23 districts have been inundated due to the floods.
What steps is the government taking to assist flood victims?
The government has directed the deployment of gazetted officers in marooned villages to facilitate communication and aid distribution.
What assistance has Punjab requested from the Central government?
Punjab has urged the Central government to provide immediate humanitarian aid similar to what was offered to Afghanistan.
How many people have been affected by the floods?
More than 3.80 lakh people have been affected by the floods in Punjab.
