Chandigarh: The Punjab Cabinet is set to meet today for a crucial session that could bring major relief measures for flood-affected farmers and usher in significant changes to the state’s mining policy. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, currently hospitalized, will attend the meeting via video conferencing, making it his first official participation since his health deteriorated earlier this week.
The cabinet meeting, scheduled at the CM’s official residence, carries considerable weight as the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of one of the worst floods seen in decades.
Focus on Flood Relief and Farmer Support
Sources indicate that a key agenda item will be the announcement of a compensation package or support plan for farmers whose lands have been inundated or rendered unusable due to sand and silt deposits brought in by floodwaters.
Punjab has seen devastating rainfall and flooding this season — the worst since 1988 — affecting 23 districts, submerging fields, damaging homes, and displacing thousands. Government data confirms that 3.87 lakh people across 1,996 villages have been impacted. So far, 46 lives have been lost, with three people still reported missing.
Farmers, particularly in low-lying agricultural belts, have been demanding urgent intervention, as many of their fields have turned into sandpits, raising concerns about future crop cycles.
Mining Policy Overhaul on the Cards
One of the most significant policy shifts expected from today’s meeting is the approval of a new “Meri Khet, Meri Sand” (My Field, My Sand) provision under the revised mining policy. Under this initiative, farmers will be permitted to extract and sell sand deposited on their private land as a result of the flooding — potentially turning a natural disaster into an economic opportunity.
Officials believe this will serve two purposes: easing the financial burden on farmers and curbing illegal mining, which has long been a contentious issue in Punjab.
By legally empowering landowners to manage sand deposited on their property, the government hopes to streamline sand supply while discouraging black-market operations.
CM Mann’s Virtual Participation Signals Recovery
This will be the first cabinet session since the CM was admitted to the hospital. His sudden illness had led to the postponement of the previous cabinet meeting and the cancellation of several scheduled events. However, government sources confirm that Mann’s condition is improving, and he is expected to resume duties gradually.
His decision to join today’s cabinet meeting, albeit virtually, underscores the urgency of the issues at hand, especially the need to respond swiftly to the flood crisis.
More Announcements Expected
While the flood relief package and mining reforms dominate the agenda, insiders suggest that additional discussions could cover:
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Infrastructure repair in flood-hit areas
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Temporary shelters and food supply
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Long-term flood mitigation strategies
With public sentiment and pressure mounting, the outcomes of today’s meeting are expected to set the tone for the government’s response to Punjab’s unfolding crisis.
