Chandigarh: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during his Punjab visit on Monday, expressed strong displeasure with the Punjab government’s handling of flood relief measures. Chouhan revealed that he had invited Punjab’s Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sondh for discussions on flood damage assessment, but the minister did not attend the meeting.
The Union Minister said he had already written a letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, informing him about the issue. He also criticised the AAP-led government for not implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in Punjab, stating that farmers could have benefitted immensely from it. Addressing Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, who was present at the event, Chouhan urged him to take steps to introduce the scheme in the state.
Chouhan further alleged that the Punjab government has not yet submitted complete details of flood losses to the Centre. “The central government is releasing funds based on the demands received. But without full data, it becomes difficult to ensure timely support,” he said. He added that the government should not be seen as belonging to any particular party, saying, “The government belongs to the people, whether it is at the Centre or the state.”
During his visit, the minister inaugurated the new building of the ICAR Maize Research Institute. He was accompanied by Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Chaudhary and Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu.
Highlighting relief efforts, Chouhan stated that financial aid had been approved for 36,703 flood-damaged houses in Punjab, with ₹1.60 lakh per house handed over to Minister Khudian. An additional ₹40,000 per house has been allocated for labour and toilet construction. “The list of damaged houses was received last night, and funds were released immediately,” he said, urging BJP workers to ensure that the money is properly used.
Chouhan also announced ₹74 crore for wheat seeds and ₹3.40 crore for mustard seeds, while assuring compensation for damaged orchards. He said that the Centre will also support farmers for silt removal, and that ministers from different departments will contribute funds under their respective portfolios.
Responding to earlier remarks by CM Bhagwant Mann, who had mocked central ministers for “photo-ops” during floods, Chouhan said, “I did not come here for tourism. The assistance being provided today is based on my earlier flood inspection visit.”
