₹1,600 crore aid pending: Punjab FM

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday raised concerns over the delayed release of flood relief funds announced by the Prime Minister, as the state Assembly continues deliberations on the Rehabilitation Bill introduced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Speaking to the media, Cheema said, “The floods caused immense devastation in Punjab,lives were lost, and property damaged. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, we introduced a Rehabilitation Bill to address these losses, and the discussion is still ongoing.”

Highlighting the gap between the state’s demand and the aid announced, Cheema pointed out, “Punjab had requested Rs 20,000 crore for flood relief, but the Prime Minister announced only Rs 1,600 crore,and that amount has still not been received.”

Cheema also criticised the role of BJP leaders in the state. “It is unfortunate that two BJP MLAs left the House on the first day of the session. They did not raise Punjab’s concerns with the Centre, even though the Speaker had allotted them time,” he said. He added, “We learned today that BJP MLAs from Pathankot and Mukerian are conducting a virtual assembly mock session from their offices, making a mockery of both democracy and their constituents.”

Calling out the party for ignoring ground realities, the Finance Minister said, “The BJP is avoiding facing the truth. They are absent from the Assembly because they cannot confront the real issues on the ground. This is a party of slogans, not action.”

Cheema concluded by noting that several important bills are on the agenda for the day, including the Punjab Seed Bill 2025 and the Punjab Right to Business Bill 2025, which aim to strengthen agriculture and improve business opportunities in the state.