PHAGWARA: Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, S. Ravneet Singh, assured that the Union Government stands firmly with Punjab during this challenging time. He emphasized that there is no shortage of funds from the Centre to support flood relief and rehabilitation in the state. Already as per the Home Ministry data the Punjab govt is having SDRF fund to the tune of 12589 Crores. Even 805 crores was released to the Punjab govt by the union Govt immediately after the Prime Minister of India visited Punjab and announced 1600 crores as initial relief package.
Addressing the media during his visit to village Sarupwala—one of the worst-hit villages in Sultanpur Lodhi—Ravneet Singh said "Punjab is a border state. Punjabis have always fought for the country and have been the backbone of India's food security. At a time when the state is facing a severe flood crisis, the Union Government will leave no stone unturned to help Punjab return to normalcy."
He further stated that the Punjab Government should submit its flood damage report to the Union Home Ministry. The Centre will reconcile its own assessment with the state's report. If the situation demands, additional funds will be sanctioned immediately.
The Union Minister personally distributed flood relief material to residents of Sarupwala and listened to their concerns. He outlined the relief efforts being undertaken in the first phase by the BJP in the flood affected areas. Total 1, 209 villages across 39 Vidhan Sabha constituencies, 105 Mandals, and 14 districts are being assisted. 300 trucks of relief supplies have already reached 31, 000 families. The second phase will target 1, 25, 000 families. Medical camps are actively being organized, and medicines are being distributed in all flood-affected areas. Eight warehouses have been established in Jalandhar to serve as distribution hubs for relief materials.
Calling for unity in this time of crisis, Ravneet Singh said "We are not here to indulge in political blame games. These are tough times for the people of Punjab. Our priority must be to rebuild and restore. Political debates will continue, but now is the time for action and compassion."
During his visit, the Union Minister also paid obeisance at Gurudwara Ber Sahib in Sultanpur Lodhi. He was accompanied by Sh. Som Parkash, Sh. K.D. Bhandari, S. Ranjit Singh Khojewal, and other senior leaders.