Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Announcements

September 15, 2025

Abhishek Vij

Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was undergoing treatment in the hospital. As soon as his health improved, he reviewed the flood relief work and held a press conference. Considering the floods in Punjab a tragedy, he made some important announcements.

Punjabis were expecting these announcements from the Chief Minister. Certainly, these declarations can help alleviate the suffering caused by the floods. After the devastation in many villages of Punjab, farmers are still struggling to understand how they will recover from such large-scale losses. At this time, they are looking forward to receiving relief. If the entire government machinery becomes active following the Chief Minister’s relief announcements, the significant losses suffered by farmers and the disruption of daily business in the cities of the state can be addressed to a great extent.

Currently, the darkened neighborhoods in cities and the ruined farmlands are awaiting government support for their revival. The Chief Minister stated that out of 55 people who died in the floods, compensation has already been distributed to the families of 42 victims. He added, “I will not let the officers rest until compensation for crop loss is distributed within 45 days.”

He further announced that for the fields damaged by floods and covered with a 5-5 feet layer of sand, the government has already declared that the sand belongs to the landowner. However, if farmers need machinery or JCBs to remove the sand, the government will provide them as well. The Chief Minister said he has instructed officials to conduct a survey of the farmers’ losses as soon as possible, and once he receives the report, he will personally meet the Prime Minister to request that the ₹1,600 crore grant be treated as just the first installment of compensation.

He emphasized that this loss must be compensated as soon as possible. In addition, efforts will be made to pay compensation for the destroyed crops within 30 days, and for all affected crops within 45 days. He also announced that the procurement of paddy will begin 15 days earlier than usual, on September 15 instead of October 1, so that farmers are not forced to sell to the private sector and can receive the benefits of fixed market prices.

He further announced that those whose houses have completely collapsed will receive compensation of ₹1.20 lakh, while those with partially damaged homes will receive ₹40,000. He noted that previous governments used to give only ₹6,800, but his government has increased this amount significantly. He also instructed officials to set up medical camps and carry out fogging operations in every village.

During the press conference, the Chief Minister gave a year-wise account of the spending and stated that the Punjab government has already spent more money than it has received from the Centre. Additionally, he mentioned that ₹60,000 crore is lying in GST compensation and the Rural Reconstruction Fund of the Punjab government. Mann said, “Give us our money; we are not asking for anything extra.”

The way the Chief Minister promptly responded to the pain and suffering of the people of Punjab after recovering from illness is commendable. If the government machinery executes these relief measures with full dedication, Punjab may soon overcome the trauma caused by this devastating flood.