**Punjab Seeks Urgent Release of Rs 60,000 Crore Dues Amid Flood Crisis**
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urgently requesting the release of the state’s outstanding dues amounting to Rs 60,000 crore. He emphasized that Punjab is currently facing one of its most challenging periods, exacerbated by severe flooding that has impacted over 1,000 villages and affected countless residents.
In his correspondence, Mann called for amendments to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) rules to increase compensation for farmers affected by the floods to Rs 50,000 per acre. He criticized the current input subsidy, which is set at Rs 17,000 per hectare (approximately Rs 6,800 per acre), describing it as insufficient and a “cruel joke” for farmers suffering significant losses.
Mann highlighted that the state government is already providing an additional Rs 8,200 per acre, bringing the total compensation to Rs 15,000 per acre. Given that many crops were nearing harvest, he argued that farmers should receive at least Rs 50,000 per acre to adequately address their losses.
The floods have submerged nearly three lakh acres of farmland, primarily paddy fields, leading to catastrophic crop losses just weeks before harvest. Additionally, there has been a significant loss of livestock, which is critically affecting rural households that rely on dairy and animal husbandry for their livelihoods. The districts most severely impacted by the flooding include Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Amritsar, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Hoshiarpur.
Mann also expressed concern over the central government’s decision to cancel PMGSY projects worth Rs 828 crore in Punjab, warning that this could have long-term negative effects on rural connectivity. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), initiated in 2000, aims to provide all-weather road access to unconnected rural areas, thereby enhancing market access, healthcare, and education, and promoting rural development.
In conclusion, the urgent financial support and policy adjustments requested by Chief Minister Mann are crucial for Punjab as it navigates this unprecedented crisis, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary aid to recover from the devastating impacts of the floods.
**FAQ**
**What is the current situation regarding floods in Punjab?**
Punjab is experiencing severe flooding that has affected over 1,000 villages and submerged nearly three lakh acres of farmland, leading to significant crop and livestock losses.
