LoP Partap Singh Bajwa writes to FM Nirmala Sitharaman, seeking clarity on Punjab’s ₹12,000 crore SDRF funds amid conflicting govt claims.
Chandigarh, Sept 23: Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Legislative Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, has raised serious concerns over the contradictory claims regarding the availability of funds under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). In a letter to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Bajwa urged for an immediate clarification, citing the urgent need for transparency as Punjab reels under the impact of devastating floods.
Bajwa pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a Rs1,600 crore grant. He also asserted that nearly Rs 12,000 crore were available with Punjab under accumulated SDRF balances (2010–2025). However, the State Government has given a starkly different version. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema have maintained that Punjab received only ₹1,582 crore. They stated that ₹649 crore have already been spent during the AAP government’s tenure.
Sitharaman ; Bajwa emphasized the need for clarity on SDRF balances.
The Chief Secretary reportedly called the Rs 12,000 crore figure “largely an accounting entry.” However, the CAG report (as of 31st March 2023) showed an SDRF balance of Rs 9,041.74 crore, inclusive of transfers and accrued interest.
With the Punjab Vidhan Sabha session scheduled from September 26–29, 2025, Bajwa emphasized the need for clarity on SDRF balances. This clarity is indispensable to ensure effective flood relief and rehabilitation.
He demanded a comprehensive, verified report from 2021–22 onwards, outlining:
* Year-wise receipts under both Central and State SDRF shares, including interest accrued.
* Year-wise expenditure by the State Government.
Calling the issue beyond politics, Bajwa said it was about federal integrity. It also concerned fiscal transparency. Additionally, it involved the basic right of every Punjabi to know the truth. He urged Sitharaman to intervene. He wanted the facts presented before the House. It was important to inform the people of Punjab without delay.
