Punjab Newsline, New Delhi/Chandigarh, December 12-
In the Parliamentary session on Thursday, AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer raised critical concerns regarding disaster management fund allocation, and the challenges faced by farmers in Punjab due to inter-state disputes. Highlighting the need for a fair and transparent approach, Meet Hayer called for state representation in disaster management fund allocation.
Meet Hayer said that disaster management funds should be allocated with adequate representation from the states. Drawing attention to past instances, he said, “In 2023, floods caused widespread destruction in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Bihar, yet the special relief package was directed solely to Bihar. This disparity highlights the need for a mechanism ensuring state representation in fund allocation decisions.”
Stressing the importance of addressing recent disasters, Hayer urged the central government to compensate Punjab for the damages sustained during the 2023 floods. “Under the new norms, the government must account for the Rs. 1,600 crore public property damage Punjab suffered,” he said, adding that this was crucial for rebuilding infrastructure and aiding affected communities.
The MP pointed out that livestock diseases, such as the lumpy skin disease that resulted in the death of 18,000 cows in Punjab, should be included under disaster management provisions.