
Punjab Takes Action for Farmers: Compensation, Water Rights, and Land Division in Focus
- HEADLINESPUNJAB
- December 19, 2023
- No Comment
- 152
- Addressing Farmer Grievances (Compensation & Jobs Committee, Firm Stand on Water Rights)
- Empowering Farmers (Consensual Land Division Drive, Cooperative Society Access, Free Power for Tail-End Irrigation)
- Additional Initiatives (Tackling Stray Animal Menace, One Time Settlement Scheme, MSP Protection)
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann addressed key concerns of the state’s farmers in a recent meeting, unveiling a series of impactful measures. To ensure swift compensation and job opportunities for families of farmers who died protesting the repealed farm laws, a dedicated committee will be formed. Recognizing the water scarcity issue, Mann firmly declared that Punjab has no spare water to share with other states, prioritizing the needs of its own farmers. A special drive from January to April will facilitate amicable land division based on possession, empowering farmers to manage their land effectively. Lifting the ban on opening new accounts in village cooperative societies will unlock financial opportunities for farmers. Furthermore, 242 lift pumps installed at the tail end of the Sirhind Feeder will receive free power from January 1, significantly improving water accessibility. Exploring permit options for farmers to manage stray and wild animals demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to tackling this issue. Reiterating the importance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) as a farmer’s right, Mann pledged legal, administrative, and other forms of support to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. These initiatives paint a picture of a government actively engaged in improving the lives of Punjab’s agricultural community.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann addressed key concerns of the state’s farmers in a recent meeting, unveiling a series of impactful measures. To ensure swift compensation and job opportunities for families of farmers who died protesting the repealed farm laws, a dedicated committee will be formed. Recognizing the water scarcity issue, Mann firmly declared that Punjab has no spare water to share with other states, prioritizing the needs of its own farmers. A special drive from January to April will facilitate amicable land division based on possession, empowering farmers to manage their land effectively. Lifting the ban on opening new accounts in village cooperative societies will unlock financial opportunities for farmers. Furthermore, 242 lift pumps installed at the tail end of the Sirhind Feeder will receive free power from January 1, significantly improving water accessibility. Exploring permit options for farmers to manage stray and wild animals demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to tackling this issue. Reiterating the importance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) as a farmer’s right, Mann pledged legal, administrative, and other forms of support to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. These initiatives paint a picture of a government actively engaged in improving the lives of Punjab’s agricultural community.
Addressing Long-Standing Issues:
- Compensation and Jobs for Deceased Farmers: A dedicated committee formed under Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian will finalize a plan by March 31, 2024, ensuring swift compensation and job opportunities for families who lost loved ones during protests against the now-repealed farm laws. This move signals a proactive approach to addressing a lingering concern.
Protecting Punjab’s Water Rights:
- Firm Stand on Water Sharing: Despite facing pressure, Mann remained unyielding on the matter of Punjab’s scarce water resources. He confirmed attending the upcoming meeting with the Union Water Resources Minister but emphasized that Punjab has no spare water to share with other states. This firm stance aims to safeguard Punjab’s water rights and prioritize the needs of its farmers.
Empowering Farmers Through Land and Finance:
- Consensual Land Division Drive: Recognizing the complexities of land ownership, Mann announced a special drive from January to April. Village camps will be set up to facilitate amicable land division based on possession, benefiting farmers seeking to share land without disputes. This initiative empowers farmers to manage their land effectively.
- Cooperative Society Access: Lifting the ban on opening new accounts in village cooperative societies will unlock financial opportunities for farmers. They can now access various benefits and services offered by these societies, boosting their financial inclusion.
Additional Pro-Farmer Measures:
- Free Power for Tail-End Irrigation: Recognizing the challenges faced by farmers in accessing water, Mann announced free power from January 1 for 242 lift pumps installed at the tail end of the Sirhind Feeder. This will significantly improve water accessibility for marginalized farmers.
- Tackling the Stray Animal Menace: Understanding the damage caused by stray and wild animals to crops, Mann explored the possibility of issuing permits to farmers for managing this issue. This proactive approach acknowledges the need for solutions beyond traditional methods.
- MSP Protection and Debt Relief: Reiterating the importance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) as a farmer’s right, Mann pledged legal, administrative, and other forms of support to ensure farmers receive fair prices for their produce. Additionally, he raised the issue of introducing a One Time Settlement Scheme for farmer loans in Cooperative banks with NABARD, aiming to provide debt relief and financial stability.
Chief Minister Mann’s announcements paint a picture of a government actively engaged in addressing farmers’ concerns. From compensation and land division to water rights and financial empowerment, these initiatives demonstrate a multi-pronged approach to improving the lives of Punjab’s agricultural community.