Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly condemned the Central government’s recently announced flood relief package, calling it a “cruel joke” on the state’s flood-ravaged people.
Addressing reporters in Chandigarh, Cheema said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aid of Rs 1,600 crore grossly undermines the scale of destruction caused by the worst floods in Punjab in four decades.
“The Prime Minister’s visit was nothing more than a photo opportunity. After weeks of suffering, Punjab has been handed a pittance. Our state’s farmers, labourers, businesses, and poor families have lost tens of thousands of crores. Yet, the Centre offers only Rs 1,600 crore,” Cheema stated.
Losses Run Into Tens of Thousands of Crores
Cheema highlighted that Punjab has witnessed massive destruction of crops, houses, and public infrastructure, pushing many vulnerable families into crisis. Thousands of farmers have lost standing crops, while poor households remain homeless.
“Many families are living under the open sky. Labourers have not earned a penny in weeks. This disaster is unprecedented and requires urgent support, not symbolic relief,” Cheema said.
The minister added that the Punjab government has already announced Rs 20,000 per acre compensation for affected farmers and Rs 4 lakh compensation for the families of those who lost their lives. He urged the Union government to come forward with a realistic relief plan matching the scale of losses.
Centre Accused of Ignoring Punjab’s Pleas
In his remarks, Cheema accused the Central government of apathy towards Punjab’s suffering. He alleged that repeated pleas from Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to release pending state funds, including over Rs 60,000 crore in GST compensation and other dues, have been ignored.
“The Prime Minister has not even responded to the Chief Minister’s letter demanding rightful dues. Instead of supporting us in this humanitarian crisis, the Centre is politicizing the issue,” Cheema said.
He further claimed that the Centre’s financial neglect has made it harder for Punjab to carry out large-scale rehabilitation and restoration measures.
Punjab Seeks Comprehensive Relief Package
The finance minister reiterated his demand for a comprehensive financial package that adequately addresses the state’s massive crop losses, damaged infrastructure, and displaced population.
“Punjab has stood with the nation in every crisis. From feeding the country to defending its borders, our people have sacrificed time and again. Now, in our hour of need, we expect the Union government to stand by us,” Cheema said.
He urged the Central government to reassess the situation, release pending dues, and provide immediate financial assistance beyond the Rs 1,600 crore already announced.
Political Undercurrents
Cheema’s sharp criticism underscores the growing tension between the Punjab government and the Centre over flood relief measures. The AAP-led state government has repeatedly demanded stronger financial support, while accusing the BJP-led Central government of undermining Punjab’s recovery efforts.
Observers note that the inadequate relief announcement could further deepen political rifts ahead of crucial state and national-level political contests. The demand for justice for farmers and flood-hit families may also gain traction as a significant electoral issue.
Way Forward for Punjab
While the state continues rehabilitation efforts, Punjab’s ministers have stressed the need for collective action involving the Centre, state government, and civil society. Relief work, distribution of aid, and infrastructure restoration are ongoing, but authorities say the magnitude of losses requires urgent national-level intervention.
For now, the debate over the adequacy of flood relief remains at the heart of Punjab’s political and humanitarian crisis.