Bar Council of India Launches Special Flood Relief Scheme for Punjab & Haryana Bar Associations

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has rolled out the One-Time Special Relief Scheme, 2025 to extend financial support to bar associations in Punjab and Haryana affected by the recent floods. This initiative is designed to help the legal fraternity recover from the heavy damage caused by excessive rainfall and waterlogging.

Under the scheme, district-level bar associations are eligible for a grant of up to ₹2,00,000, while sub-divisional associations can receive up to ₹1,00,000. The aid is a grant, not a loan, making it completely non-refundable.

Applications must be submitted within 60 days from the announcement. In rare cases, late applications may be considered. Each application should be supported by an executive committee resolution and a certified damage report from an expert. Once approved, funds will be directly transferred to the official bank account of the concerned bar association.

To ensure transparency, associations must provide a utilization report within three months, including photographs and details of the work done.

In addition to rebuilding infrastructure, the BCI has also introduced an eco-friendly measure. District bar associations will receive ₹10,000, and sub-divisional associations ₹5,000, exclusively for planting and maintaining trees to compensate for the loss of green cover due to floods.

The scheme clarifies that the term “floods” includes excessive rainfall and waterlogging, giving the Advocates Welfare Committee the authority to extend benefits in such cases. The Bar Council of Punjab and Haryana has been asked to circulate the scheme and promptly forward verified applications for sanction and disbursal.