Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday expressed strong concern over the Centre’s delay in releasing ₹1,600 crore in relief funds promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flood-affected villages across Punjab. Speaking at the inauguration of the enhanced capacity of the state-run Gurdaspur Sugar Mill at Paniar, the Chief Minister said he “failed to comprehend” the reasons behind the prolonged wait despite repeated assurances.
The upgraded sugar mill, situated 6 km from Gurdaspur, has now increased its operational capacity significantly. Seenu Duggal, MD of SugarFed, announced that the mill will now function at a capacity of 5,000 tonnes per day. Additionally, a 28.50-MW power plant has also been inaugurated at the facility. The plant will supply power for internal operations, with surplus energy being sold to the state grid, creating an additional revenue stream. The CM also confirmed that farmers will receive ₹416 per quintal for sugarcane.
During the event, Dinanagar MLA Aruna Chaudhary remarked that the groundwork for the expansion was initiated during the previous Congress government. She said former Cooperation Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and she had secured the necessary approvals, asserting that the current government was taking credit for a project whose foundation was laid earlier.
Addressing healthcare shortages in rural regions, CM Mann announced a major recruitment drive for doctors in state-run hospitals. Newly appointed doctors will be required to serve the first two years of their tenure in border areas to ensure adequate medical coverage across underserved regions.
Responding to allegations of illegal mining, the Chief Minister reiterated that such claims were unfounded. He explained that under the state policy “Jiska Khet, Uski Ret”, farmers have the right to sell sand excavated from their fields. He noted that a few individuals had misused this provision in the past, but the government was taking strict measures to prevent exploitation.
CM Mann concluded by urging the Centre to expedite the release of the promised funds, emphasizing that timely assistance is crucial for rebuilding and rehabilitating flood-hit communities in Punjab.