Chandigarh / Punjab, September 12, 2025 — Since April 2022, Punjab has received a total of ₹1,582 crore from the Central Government under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), but has spent only ₹649 crore, according to figures released by the Punjab Finance Minister. The underutilisation of disaster funds has sparked criticism from opposition parties, who accuse the state government of neglect and mismanagement.

Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema provided a detailed breakdown:

In 2022-23, Punjab received ₹208 crore and spent ₹61 crore.

In 2023-24, receipts were ₹645 crore, out of which ₹420 crore was used.

In 2024-25, while ₹488 crore was allotted, only about ₹27 crore was expended.

For the current fiscal year (2025-26), of the ₹241 crore allocated so far, ₹140 crore has been disbursed.

Cheema defended his government’s actions by pointing out that not all disasters require immediate expenditure, and that some funds are kept in reserve for larger calamities. He also accused opposition parties, especially BJP, of misrepresenting the situation to create political pressure. However, the opposition argues that delayed utilisation defeats the purpose of prompt disaster relief, especially for flood-affected and vulnerable communities.

This news comes in the backdrop of severe flooding in Punjab, triggered by unusually heavy monsoon rainfall and rain in upstream catchments. Reports indicate that over three lakh people have been affected, large areas of farmland have been inundated, and emergency response teams are stretched. The fund utilisation issue has therefore become more than just fiscal policy—it’s linked to real suffering on the ground.

Analysts point out several bottlenecks: delayed project approvals, difficulties in procurement logistics, and coordination challenges between state departments. Some district administrations reportedly are waiting for formal release orders before beginning relief work. Meanwhile, local leaders in flood-hit zones are pressing for faster sanctioning and disbursal.

As political temperature rises, the state government has promised to speed up bureaucratic processes and ensure that pending funds are released soon. The Finance Minister has said that a review of district-level usage will be conducted and that funds for ongoing disaster mitigation works will be prioritised.