JALANDHAR: Punjab Youth Congress today staged a protest in Jalandhar, burning the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to oppose the interim relief package announced for flood damages in Punjab.
Angad Dutta, Secretary of Punjab Youth Congress and Coordinator of PPCC Amritsar East, alleged that the Centre had “betrayed Punjab” by granting only ₹1, 600 crore as interim relief against losses officially assessed at ₹13, 289 crore by the state government. He said experts and ground surveys indicate Punjab requires a special package of at least ₹25, 000 crore to rehabilitate affected families, farmers, and restore the economy.
The Youth Congress leader argued that the Centre’s reference to a ₹12, 000 crore SDRF fund was misleading, since it is a national pool and Punjab’s actual share is much smaller. “This is eyewash and headline management, not real relief, ” he said.
Citing history, Dutta recalled that in the 1988 floods, then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had sanctioned ₹100 crore immediately when damages were comparatively lower. “In contrast, the Modi Government’s response has been too little, too late, ” he added.
The protesters also highlighted that during the 2023 floods, compensation was capped at ₹6, 800 per acre for up to 5 acres, a move they said forced many families into debt.
Punjab Youth Congress reiterated its demands, including:
A relief package of at least ₹25, 000 crore.
Immediate compensation to farmers, labourers, and families of victims.
Adequate support for livestock loss, rural infrastructure, schools, hospitals, and damaged homes.
Dutta said the people of Punjab will not forget the Centre’s “failure to stand with the state in its darkest hour.”