Amid a deepening controversy over the state’s financial resources for flood relief, the Punjab government has asked 288 of its cash-rich panchayats to contribute 5% of their fixed deposits towards the ongoing relief efforts. This contribution would immediately provide the state government with ₹30.94 crore for rehabilitation works.
The request, outlined in a letter from the Director, Rural Development and Panchayats, comes just a day after Opposition parties demanded a central probe into the alleged misuse of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The issue gained prominence when Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to flood-hit areas, highlighted the SDRF funds in the state’s possession.
However, state officials, including Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, have challenged the opposition’s claims. Cheema stated that the figure of ₹12,128 crore is misleading, as it includes the high interest rate (2 per cent over the repo rate) charged on borrowing from the SDRF. He clarified that since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took power in March 2022, the state has received only ₹1,582 crore as disaster relief fund from the Centre, of which ₹649 crore has already been spent.
The panchayats being targeted for the contribution hold a total of ₹618.83 crore in fixed deposits. The highest amount is with Patiala’s Shambhu Kalan panchayat (₹79.38 crore), followed by Mohali’s Behlolpur (₹43.50 crore), Dararhi (₹27 crore), and Sural Kalan (₹21.28 crore). Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond has appealed to these panchayats to come forward and help in the relief and rehabilitation of ravaged villages.