The Punjab Government has directed 288 cash-rich panchayats to contribute 5 per cent of their reserves for flood relief efforts. These panchayats hold Rs 618.83 crore in fixed deposits. If they comply, the state will immediately receive Rs 30.94 crore for relief and rehabilitation works. The government believes that financially strong panchayats must step up in this crisis.
The move comes amid a growing row over the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). A mystery surrounds the Rs 12,128 crore said to be available in the fund. Opposition parties, including Congress, BJP, and SAD, have demanded a central probe into the alleged misuse. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while announcing a Rs 1,600 crore package during his Punjab visit, also flagged the SDRF issue.
Among the listed panchayats, Patiala’s Shambhu Kalan has the highest reserve with Rs 79.38 crore in fixed deposits, followed by Behlolpur in Mohali at Rs 43.50 crore. Others like Dararhi and Sural Kalan also hold significant amounts. Rural Development Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond appealed to such panchayats to support flood-hit villages.
Finance Minister Harpal Cheema countered opposition charges, stating Punjab has received only Rs 1,582 crore since March 2022, out of which Rs 649 crore has been used. He clarified that the Rs 12,128 crore figure includes high-interest borrowing costs.
