Punjab Assembly Passes Resolution Seeking ₹20,000 Crore Flood Relief Package; CM Mann Announces Compensation from October 15

Chandigarh, Sept 2025 : The Punjab Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously passed a resolution demanding a special relief package of ₹20,000 crore from the Centre to aid flood-affected areas. The House also criticized the central government for failing to release sufficient funds, calling the delay an “insult to the people of Punjab.”

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced that compensation payments to affected families will begin from October 15, ensuring relief reaches residents during the upcoming festive season. He said that teams of ministers will personally monitor the distribution process, while a time-bound assessment of damages is already underway across the state.

Enhanced Compensation for Farmers and Residents

Highlighting the state government’s commitment, Mann announced increased compensation rates under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF):

• For crop losses of 26–33%, compensation has been raised from ₹2,000 to ₹10,000 per acre.
• For 33–75% losses, from ₹6,800 to ₹10,000 per acre.
• For 75–100% losses, from ₹6,800 to ₹20,000 per acre.

Additionally, farmers will receive ₹7,200 per acre for sand removal under the “Jisda Khet, Ohdi Reet” scheme. Families whose homes have been damaged will get ₹1.20 lakh for fully damaged houses, while compensation for partially damaged houses has been increased from ₹6,500 to ₹35,100. Farmers whose land has been washed away by rivers will receive ₹47,500 per hectare or ₹18,800 per acre.

Assembly’s Strong Criticism of Centre

The resolution demanded not only the ₹20,000 crore package but also the immediate release of ₹1,600 crore in pending relief funds. The Assembly expressed sharp disapproval of the Centre’s inaction, particularly the Prime Minister’s Office not responding to CM Mann’s request for a meeting. Lawmakers said such disregard undermines the hardships faced by flood-affected communities.

A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Finance Minister, urging urgent intervention.

Calls for Long-Term Solutions

Several legislators stressed the need for structural and preventive measures. Congress MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh said, “It’s not too late yet. We need to ensure the safety of farmers and the public in the future. Let’s start working immediately on a roadmap.”

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian highlighted ongoing recovery efforts, noting that the government is distributing 17–18 types of seeds for the next crop and deploying over 500 teams at the grassroots to safeguard livestock health.

Shiromani Akali Dal MLA Manpreet Singh Ayali called for a national-level expert committee to strengthen embankments of canals and rivers, while also stressing the need for an uninterrupted supply of seeds and fertilizers to ensure timely recovery for farmers.

Looking Ahead

With the resolution passed unanimously, the Punjab government is set to push aggressively for central aid while simultaneously rolling out its own compensation program. The Chief Minister said the state is committed to both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation, ensuring that farmers and residents can rebuild their lives with dignity.