'I am Dukh Mantri, not Mukh Mantri’: Punjab CM Mann back in action, vows relief for flood-hit in 40 days

A day after being discharged from hospital, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was back in action, holding meetings to assess the situation of flood relief and rebuilding the state.

“I am not the Mukh Mantri of Punjab… I am the Dukh Mantri. I am back to stand by the people of the state who are facing the worst-ever crisis caused by the floods. Dukh sanjha karan naal dukh adha reh janda hai,” he said.

Mann said he would like to assure the flood-affected people that his government would be releasing full compensation within 40 days. “I have instructed all deputy commissioners to complete the special girdawri of crop loss, and submit reports of loss of human lives and livestock deaths and damage to houses, verify these at the earliest, so we can immediately start giving compensation,” said the CM.

Mann, flanked by Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, said that since the AAP government had come to power in 2022, only Rs 1,582 crore had been released by the Centre as disaster relief fund. Sinha said that the amount of Rs 12,000 crore which the Centre claimed was in the SDRF was only entries in the accounts and had three components — Centre’s share, state share and interest.

“We only act as bankers and give the money as and when required. These are part of the state’s Public accounts,” he said.

Mann also said that he had a marathon meeting with deputy commissioners of all 23 districts and got feedback from them regarding relief measures, and the repair of damaged infrastructure.

The Chief Minister said that he would soon seek appointment with the Prime Minister or the Home Minister to discuss the issue of change in norms for giving compensation to flood victims.