Punjab government releases Rs 209 crore flood relief; Harpal Singh Cheema urges Centre to clear pending Rs 1,600 crore aid

The AAP-led Punjab government on Wednesday released the first installment of Rs 209 crore as compensation for flood-affected people across the state. Of this amount, Rs 3.50 crore has been allocated to Sangrur district.

Finance and planning minister Harpal Singh Cheema launched the distribution drive in Dhuri by handing over approval letters to eight flood-affected families.

Chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the mission in Ajnala, where cheques worth Rs 5.70 crore were distributed to 631 farmers .

According to the Punjab government, farmers will receive Rs 20,000 per acre for crop loss, while compensation for damaged houses has been increased to Rs 40,000 from Rs 4,000 earlier. Relief amounts will be determined based on damage assessments.

Punjab's finance and planning minister said that heavy rainfall and flooding caused extensive damage to crops, houses, and public infrastructure in the state. He also stated that the Punjab government had sought the release of Rs 1,600 crore in special assistance announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi , clarifying that the Rs 240 crore received so far was part of the regular annual allocation.