Punjab MP urges PM Modi for comprehensive relief package amid flood crisis

Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant Punjab a two-year GST exemption and a comprehensive relief package to mitigate the devastating impact of floods in the state. With over 1,200 villages submerged, 4 lakh lives affected and crops devastated, Kang emphasized the need for urgent national solidarity.

Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Jalandhar are the worst-affected districts.

In numbers:

• 15 out of 23 districts affected by heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers
• 43 lives lost and over 3.8 lakh people impacted
• 4,29,547 acres of crop area damaged

Kang highlighted Punjab's significant contributions to the nation's food security and economy, stressing that the state deserves equitable support during this crisis. He cited examples of relief packages granted to other states, such as Bihar and Andhra Pradesh, which received ₹58,900 crore and ₹58,000 crore, respectively.

“This is not a plea for favour, but a rightful call for equitable support," he said.

The MP's plea comes as Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan visits flood-ravaged areas to assess the damage. Chouhan has stated that he was sent by PM Modi to evaluate the situation.

Punjab's Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has also urged the Centre to provide immediate aid, emphasizing the state's economic contributions and current fiscal challenges.