Being neighbour, helping Punjab is our responsibility: CM Saini

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini today said the people of the state have extended whole-hearted support to flood-affected Punjab, adding that “being the neighbouring state, it is our duty and responsibility to help Punjab in this crisis.”

The Chief Minister flagged off 20 trucks loaded with relief material from the Pipli grain market in Kurukshetra. These trucks were dispatched to different districts of Punjab. The consignment included pulses, rice, water, juice, pickles, medical kits, mosquito nets, tarpaulins, green fodder for cattle, bran and other essentials.

“From the land of Gita and Krishna, 20 trucks are going to Punjab. Around 135 trucks from different districts of Haryana have already been sent to flood-affected Punjab,” Saini told reporters. He recalled that Haryana had earlier released Rs 5 crore each as immediate aid to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

He underlined that the Centre has also stepped in with Rs 3,100 crore relief, of which Rs 1,600 crore is for Punjab and Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh. “The BJP government doesn’t discriminate against people in any state. There is a Congress government in Himachal Pradesh and an AAP government in Punjab, but the Prime Minister visited both states and announced packages,” he said.

Relief for Haryana residents

Saini said Haryana’s own citizens had been hit hard by waterlogging and relief was being distributed simultaneously. The e-Kshatipurti portal has been opened for affected residents and farmers to register losses. “So far, over 3.24 lakh farmers from 5,786 villages have registered crop damage in more than 19.22 lakh acres,” he said.

Families that lost a member due to the calamity are being given Rs 4 lakh immediate relief, along with compensation for crop and property losses. “Over the past 10 years, Haryana farmers have received Rs 15,500 crore as crop damage compensation,” the CM added.

Trades barbs at Congress

Taking a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Saini said, “Whenever the country faces a crisis or disaster, Rahul Gandhi goes abroad. Even now, while Punjab, Himachal and Jammu and Kashmir are facing floods, he is abroad. I too had a foreign visit scheduled, but seeing the present situation, I cancelled it.”

He also criticised Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann, saying he was being trolled for earlier remarks that Punjab had no shortage of funds and did not need aid from outside.

Central and state housing push

The CM highlighted welfare schemes implemented over the past decade. “Under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 7.47 lakh families in Haryana have been given Rs 2,314 crore to build houses. Similarly, under the Dr BR Ambedkar Awas Navinikaran Yojana, Rs 416 crore has been allocated to 76,985 families for roof repairs to replace thatched roofs with permanent ones. Each family has been given Rs 80,000,” he said.