Rs 209 cr paid to flood-hit, Centre should fulfil its aid promise: Cheema

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday said the state government had released the first instalment of Rs 209 crore to flood-affected farmers.

He distributed compensation to farmers of the Dhuri Assembly segment. “Of this, Rs 3.50 crore will be distributed in Sangrur district. A total of 13 ministers are visiting flood-affected areas today to distribute relief under the Mission Rehabilitation. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched the drive in Ajnala by distributing Rs 5.70 crore to 631 farmers,” said Cheema.

He said farmers were being given Rs 20,000 compensation per acre. “For the first time, people will receive Rs 40,000 for each damaged house, compared to the earlier amount of Rs 4,000,” said Cheema.

“The Centre should release Rs 1,600 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Punjab visit at the earliest,” he said. Cheema added that Rs 240 crore released by the Centre was part of an annual instalment.

Discrimination against Punjabis: Health Minister

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said the Centre had been discriminating against Punjab in this hour of distress.

The minister distributed Rs 88 lakh compensation to 232 farmers of Saunta, Sheikhpur Dakheli Lohsimbli, and Samaspur villages in Patiala.

He said the state government had adopted “Jisda Khet, Usdi Ret” policy to support affected farmers.