Punjab Express Bureau
IEP Chandigarh, October 6
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today reiterated the firm commitment of the state government to procure every single grain of the farmers in the grain markets (Mandis).
The Chief Minister, during a meeting with the farmers here at Punjab Bhawan, said that the state government has already made elaborate arrangements for purchasing the golden harvest of the farmers as soon as it arrives in the Mandis. He said that a viable mechanism has been evolved to ensure on the spot payment to the farmers in their bank accounts. Bhagwant Mann said that smooth and hassle free procurement of grains is being ensured in the market so that farmers don’t face any sort of inconvenience.
The Chief Minister also announced that during the ongoing procurement season the tractors of farmers will be allowed for loading/ transportation of grains. He said that the act will be amended suitably only for the ongoing procurement season. Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is committed for well-being of the farmers.
The Chief Minister further said that the disbursement of financial assistance to encourage the farmers for direct sowing of paddy has also started. He said that payment has been transferred into the bank accounts of 17000 farmers. Bhagwant Mann said that the payment of remaining farmers will also be cleared within a week.
The Chief Minister also assured the farmers that the state government will send a detail list of the cattle wealth that has fallen prey to Lumpy skin to the Government of India. He said that the state government will flag the issue of compensating the farmers who have lost their cattle wealth due to this disease with the union government. Bhagwant Mann said that strenuous efforts are already being made to ensure that centre government declare this disease as pandemic.
Dwelling on another issue, the Chief Minister said that many cases registered during the farmers agitation in Punjab has already been cancelled adding that remaining ones will be cancelled soon. He said that the families of the farmers who have lost their lives during the agitation have already been given assistance worth Rs 5 lakh each. Bhagwant Mann further said that Kin of 326 farmers out of total 624 who had lost their lives in agitation have been given government jobs and remaining ones will be given soon.
The Chief Minister said that the state government will work on constructing memorial in name of the farmers, who attained martyrdom during the agitation. He said that compensation for the Moongi crop too has been delivered to the farmers. Bhagwant Mann said that in future elaborate arrangements will be made for purchase of Moongi crop.
The Chief Minister also assured the farmers that he will flag the issue of FIRs with Railways too. He also said that the state government is committed for giving boost to food processing industry to benefit the farmers. Bhagwant Mann also said that the cattle fairs will recommence in state from October 15.
Meanwhile, taking part in deliberations the farmers expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister for enhancing SAP of sugarcane adding they urged the Chief Minister to intervene for payment of pending arrears from private mills. It was also decided that crushing season will start from November 5 in Sugar Mills prior to which meeting will be held on October 11 for reviewing the preparations.
The chief minister told the farmers that the state government is making all out effort for paddy straw management. He said that the farmers should support the state government for this noble cause. Bhagwant Mann said that it was the need of the hour for protecting the environment of the state.
