Chandigarh: Union Minister B.L. Verma on Saturday said the ₹1,600 crore flood relief package for Punjab will be credited directly into the accounts of farmers, leaving out the state government from the process. He assured that funds would be released swiftly after surveys are completed, and promised additional aid if required.
The announcement came a day after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Cheema claimed that not a single rupee from the package had been released to the state government. They accused the Centre of bypassing the state administration, escalating a fresh political row.
The relief package was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to flood-hit areas earlier this year. While the Centre termed the move a major support initiative, the Punjab government criticized the allocation, calling it inadequate for the scale of devastation.
The direct transfer decision is expected to intensify the political tussle, as both the Centre and the state continue to spar over flood compensation and rehabilitation measures.
