Mohali — Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday assured that families affected by the recent floods will receive full compensation without delay. Addressing the media after being discharged from hospital, Mann said he would not sleep peacefully until the victims are duly compensated.
The Chief Minister held a meeting with officials today and directed them to carry out girdawari (damage assessment survey) on priority. He reiterated his earlier announcement that farmers who lost their crops will be given ₹20,000 per acre, calling it the highest compensation ever offered in Punjab’s history.
Mann criticized past governments for limiting themselves to token announcements and meagre relief amounts, stressing that this time, people will actually receive cheques in hand. He set a timeline of 30 to 40 days for completion of damage assessment in all villages, after which affected families will be given a week to raise objections if any discrepancies are found in the survey records.
Highlighting previous flaws in the system, Mann noted that those who suffered heavy losses often found their damages underreported, while some managed to influence officials for unwarranted compensation. He assured that this time, complete transparency would be maintained, and those who suffered 100 percent losses will receive cheques within a month. Losses to homes and livestock will also be covered by the state.
The CM further announced that the existing SDRF provision of ₹6,800 for disaster relief will be raised to ₹40,000. Families who lost cattle will be given ₹3,700 each, and those whose houses have become unlivable due to structural damage will also receive full assistance.
Mann confirmed that 55 deaths have been reported due to floods so far, with compensation already disbursed to families of 42 victims. Efforts are underway to trace remaining bodies and legal heirs before completing the process.
