NEW DELHI: Punjab, the state known as the food bowl of India, is battling one of its worst flood crises in recent memory. Rising to the occasion, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched ‘Mission Chardi Kala’—a campaign that goes beyond immediate relief to focus on rehabilitation, reconstruction, and long-term development of flood-affected areas.
The mission seeks to bring together Punjabis across the globe, including the vast NRI community, to rebuild the state. All donations will flow into the ‘Rangla Punjab Vikas Fund,’ managed by the Rangla Punjab Society, which was set up to address emergencies. The fund is entirely based on voluntary contributions, with no government budget support.
Transparency at the Core
To ensure accountability, a monitoring committee headed by the Chief Secretary, along with finance and planning officials, will oversee the fund. Contribution details will be made public on the society’s website. Notably, NRI donations have been made FCRA-exempt, and corporate contributions will qualify as CSR expenses—encouraging wider participation. The Punjab government has pledged that every penny will be fully accounted for.
Overwhelming Public Response
Within the first 24 hours of launch, over 1,000 donors joined the initiative. Among them, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Vikramjit Singh Sahney contributed ₹1 crore. In addition, 50 tractors and 10 JCB machines were made available for immediate relief and reconstruction work.
This massive response, officials said, demonstrates the public’s faith in the government’s commitment to transparency.
CM Mann’s Appeal
Expressing gratitude to the early contributors, CM Bhagwant Mann said:
“I thank the first 1,000 donors who came forward to support Mission Chardi Kala. Your contribution will play a crucial role in rebuilding Punjab after the floods. I appeal to every Punjabi and NRI to join this noble cause.”
A Symbol of Punjab’s Resilience
‘Mission Chardi Kala’ has quickly transformed into more than a relief campaign—it has become a symbol of Punjab’s courage, unity, and spirit of collective action. By combining transparency with people’s participation, the Mann government has set a new benchmark in disaster response and rehabilitation.
