AAP government begins compensating farmers
Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Monday initiated one of the state’s largest relief operations following severe floods that damaged crops, farmland, and homes across the region. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a special girdawari (crop loss survey) on September 11, targeting completion within 45 days, but compensation began being distributed by the 30th day.Crops were damaged in 2,508 villages, affecting nearly 3.5 lakh acres of cultivable land. Farmers are being compensated at Rs 20,000 per acre, with an additional Rs 13,200 per farmer provided from state resources after no assistance was received from the central government. Payments are being transferred directly to bank accounts to ensure transparency and avoid delays.In addition to crop losses, the government conducted surveys for damaged houses. Assessments for 30,806 homes have been completed, with compensation for partially damaged houses increased from Rs 6,500 to Rs 40,000. Families who lost members in the floods are to receive Rs 4 lakh each. Compensation for lost livestock and poultry has also been announced. For the first time in Punjab, the entire assessment and compensation process is being managed through an online portal, aiming for accountability and efficient distribution. In the Ajnala region, over Rs 5 crore has already been transferred to farmers and affected families. Ground-level teams have been mobilized across the state to ensure aid reaches all affected areas.The state government is also focusing on long-term recovery under the “Jisda khet, usdi ret” policy, which aims to restore flood-affected farmland for cultivation. As part of Mission Chardikala, efforts are underway to rebuild damaged villages and infrastructure.Officials emphasised that relief and rehabilitation are being prioritised over political considerations. The early disbursement of compensation, ahead of Diwali, aims to provide immediate support to flood-hit farmers and residents across Punjab.
