Punjab Finance Minister Slams PM Modi’s Flood Relief Package as ‘Cruel Joke’ on Devastated State
In a sharp attack on the Central government, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has called Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flood relief package a "cruel joke" for the flood-hit people of Punjab. This comes after severe floods wreaked havoc across the state, marking the worst disaster in four decades.
Cheema didn’t hold back while criticizing the Rs 1,600 crore aid announced by PM Modi following his aerial survey. "This meagre and insulting amount is nothing but a pittance for Punjab, where people have faced devastating losses worth tens of thousands of crores," he said. He pointed out that the Prime Minister’s visit felt like just a "photo-op," especially after weeks of the state struggling with this unprecedented natural calamity.
The floods have hit hard, destroying crops, homes, and public infrastructure. Farmers, laborers, poor families, and small businesses have suffered the most. Many poor households now live under open skies after their houses collapsed, and laborers haven’t earned a single penny amid the chaos. Cheema highlighted the immense suffering of these vulnerable groups, urging for real help.
On the state government’s side, Punjab has already stepped up with its own relief measures. They announced Rs 20,000 per acre as compensation for affected farmers and Rs 4 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the floods. "We’re doing everything we can to provide relief, but the scale of this disaster demands substantial and immediate support from the Centre," Cheema added. He called the PM’s announcement a "grave injustice" to Punjab’s people.
Adding fuel to the fire, Cheema raised the issue of pending funds from the Central government. Punjab has long demanded over Rs 60,000 crore in dues, including GST compensation and other releases. "Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann wrote a letter to the Prime Minister seeking these funds, but there’s been no response. Instead of helping during this humanitarian crisis, the Centre is politicising it," he fumed.
As Punjab continues to recover from the devastating floods, calls for better flood relief and fair financial support grow louder. The state hopes for more concrete action from the Union government to aid its flood-ravaged regions.
