Chandigarh, September 29– Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced a significant increase in compensation for flood-affected farmers and families, pledging that cheques will be distributed from October 15 to ensure timely relief ahead of Diwali.
“Diwali falls on October 20. Before that, to light lamps of happiness on the faces of people, we will issue cheques,” Mann told the Assembly during the second and final day of a special session. He said the announcement was not just a guarantee of a date but a reflection of the government’s commitment to people’s well-being.
Under the revised compensation package, farmers with 26–33% crop loss will now receive ₹10,000 per acre instead of ₹2,000. For 33–75% loss, the amount has been raised from ₹6,800 to ₹10,000 per acre, while for 75–100% crop loss, farmers will be given ₹20,000 per acre, which includes ₹6,800 from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
Additional relief includes ₹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 partially damaged houses. For draining water from Ferozepur and Fazilka districts, ₹4.5 crore has already been released from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Mann also criticised the Centre for what he called inadequate support. “Despite the worst floods in decades, the BJP-led Central Government released only ₹1,600 crore, while Punjab had sought a comprehensive package of ₹20,000 crore. This negligence is harming not only the government but also the flood-affected people,” he said.
Thanking the youth, NDRF, Indian Army, and social organisations for their rescue and relief efforts, the CM said, “Lakhs of youths, without caring for their own lives, saved lakhs of people and distributed ration-filled trolleys. This shows Punjab’s unity and people-centric spirit.”
The Assembly decided that a copy of the compensation package would be sent to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Ministry. Mann stressed that Punjab’s people-first approach would ensure no delay in rebuilding lives.
“From October 15, compensation cheques will start being issued and by Diwali, every farmer’s house will be filled with joy,” he said.
