Photo Source: Babushahi Bureau
No shortage of Central funds for Punjab flood relief, assures Ravneet Bittu
Babushahi Bureau
Sultanpur Lodhi ( Kapurthala), October 1, 2025:Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries, S. Ravneet Singh, reaffirmed the Centre’s unwavering support to Punjab in its flood crisis, assuring that there is no dearth of funds to aid relief and rehabilitation.
During his visit to Sarupwala village in Sultanpur Lodhi—one of the worst-hit areas—the Minister said the Union Government has already released ₹805 crore as immediate assistance, following the Prime Minister’s announcement of an initial relief package worth ₹1,600 crore. He further pointed out that, as per Home Ministry data, Punjab currently has an SDRF fund of ₹12,589 crore at its disposal.
“Punjab is a border state. Punjabis have always fought for the nation and ensured food security for the country. At a time like this, the Union Government will leave no stone unturned to help Punjab return to normalcy,” Ravneet Singh told reporters.
He urged the Punjab Government to submit its flood damage report to the Union Home Ministry, assuring that additional funds will be sanctioned if required after reconciling the Centre’s own assessment with the state’s.
The Minister personally distributed relief material to affected families and highlighted that in the first phase, BJP’s relief efforts have already covered 1,209 villages across 39 constituencies, 105 Mandals, and 14 districts, reaching 31,000 families with 300 truckloads of supplies. The second phase will target 1.25 lakh families, with medical camps and free medicines already operational in flood-affected areas. Eight warehouses have been established in Jalandhar to streamline distribution.
Appealing for unity, Ravneet Singh said, “We are not here to indulge in political blame games. These are tough times for Punjab. Our priority must be to rebuild and restore. Political debates will continue, but now is the time for action and compassion.”
Later, the Union Minister paid obeisance at Gurudwara Ber Sahib, Sultanpur Lodhi, accompanied by Union Minister Sh. Som Parkash, senior leader Sh. K.D. Bhandari, S. Ranjit Singh Khojewal, and others.