Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has strongly defended his government’s
flood relief efforts while lashing out at opposition parties for “playing politics” instead of supporting
people in crisis.
Speaking in a special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann said that the
people of Punjab “will never forgive opportunist politicians” who used floods as a chance for media
limelight rather than real service. Mann described the floods as one of the worst natural disasters
Punjab has faced.
More than 2, 300 villages were submerged, over 2 million people were
affected, and nearly five lakh acres of crops were destroyed. Tragically, 56 lives were lost,
while 7 lakh people were left homeless. The damage to infrastructure was massive: 3, 200
schools, 1, 400 hospitals and clinics, 8, 500 km of roads, and 2, 500 bridges were damaged.
The Chief Minister said that the losses could cross 13, 800 crore.
CM Punjab Flood Relief Fund
Details
To manage this crisis, Mann launched the “Rangla Punjab Flood Relief Fund” in addition to the
existing CM Relief Fund. He explained that:
- Every rupee contributed will go directly towards helping flood victims.
- The CM Relief Fund had limitations—for example, MPs could donate only 20 lakh, and CSR
funds could not be used.
- The new Rangla Punjab Fund allows larger contributions from every section of society.
- So far, the fund has seen encouraging support from individuals, NRIs, and organizations.
He assured the Vidhan Sabha that “transparency and accountability” will guide how funds are used.
Compensation & Relief Measures
Mann outlined several relief measures for affected citizens:
- 20, 000 per acre compensation for farmers who lost crops.
- 4 lakh for families who lost a member.
- Free wheat seeds to farmers to restart agriculture.
- Loan moratorium for small farmers.
- Rapid desilting of rivers and drains—his government cleaned 3, 825 km of drains in just three
years, compared to 2, 066 km under previous regimes.
Mann also criticized the Union Government for offering just 1, 600 crore aid. He said, “That is
barely 80 lakh per flood-hit village, an insult to Punjab’s pain.”
Slamming the Opposition
In a fiery speech, Mann accused opposition leaders of staging “photo sessions” during floods
instead of helping people. He said,
“When Punjabis were struggling for relief, these leaders were
struggling for headlines.”
He reminded the Assembly of Punjab’s sacrifices in history—feeding the
nation, guarding its borders, and fighting for freedom—yet, according to him, the Centre repeatedly
neglects Punjab when it suffers disasters.
Calling for unity, Mann urged all Punjabis to rise above
differences and help rebuild the state. He added that if needed, he would even protest outside the
Prime Minister’s residence to demand justice for Punjab.
Social Media Copy
X / Twitter:
“CM Mann launches Rangla Punjab Flood Relief Fund. Over 2, 300 villages hit, 13, 800 crore
damage. Compensation, relief & unity are priorities. #PunjabFloodRelief #CMMann #ChardiKala”
LinkedIn:
“Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann outlines a transparent flood relief strategy through the Rangla Punjab
Fund. Focus on crop compensation, housing, and rebuilding. Critics questioned Centre’s aid.
#Punjab #FloodRelief #CMMann”
Instagram / Facebook:
“Over 2 million Punjabis affected by devastating floods. CM Mann promises transparent use of
Rangla Punjab Flood Relief Fund. Relief includes 20, 000/acre for crops, 4 lakh for families, and
free seeds. #PunjabFloodRelief #MissionChardiKala”