Rain & Hail Weaken Wheat Crop; Employees Refuse State Insurance Scheme

April

2026

Unseasonal rainfall and scattered hailstorms across Panjab have sparked concern among farmers as the wheat crop enters its final stage of maturity. On 4 Apr, moderate rain was reported in Bathinda, Moga, Muktsar, and Amritsar districts, while hailstorms lashed villages Karyal, Bajeke, Bakarwala, and Rehrwan in Moga district. Rain, hail, and gusty winds caused fresh damage to the wheat crop that had already been weakened by earlier spells on 31 Mar. The India Meteorological Department said Panjab is likely to experience more rain between 7–9 Apr. Panjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has called for a special assessment of damages due to rains. Meanwhile, Mann presented a comprehensive four-year report card of the Rural Development and Panchayats Department. He noted that the rural development report card is part of a wider governance framework in which the government presents sector-wise performance across education, healthcare, irrigation, agriculture, and other areas. He said that USD 111M was spent on village council buildings, libraries, anganwadi (childcare) centers, streets, drains, and other development works, while USD 143M was spent on drinking water, water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, and essential services. Additionally, Panjab Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora announced extension of 50% rebate on pending Non-Construction Fee under the One Time Settlement Scheme for Improvement Trusts till 30 Apr. Highlighting urban infrastructure initiatives, Arora said that 2,120 km of roads are being developed at a cost of USD 140M, with completion targeted by 31 May 2026. He added that special emphasis is being laid on ensuring pothole-free roads before the monsoon. Additionally, more than 55K regular clerical employees with nearly 46 Panjab government departments have refused to opt for the Mukh Mantri Sehat Bima Yojana (MMSBY, health insurance scheme). Under the banner of the Punjab State Ministerial Services Union, the employees stated that ‘the health packages for various diseases have been fixed, and the amounts are too low’. The union also expressed apprehension that ‘opting for MMSBY can lead to discontinuation of the existing monthly medical allowances for them’ (earlier coverage).