Punjab Cabinet Sub-Committee — comprising Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, and Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian — engaged with the representatives of farmers and employee organizations, protesting against the state government over several issues, to delve into the intricacies of issues raised by these groups and strategize a comprehensive plan for their resolution.
 
The sub-committee first held a meeting with key farmer organizations, including Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), Bharatiya Kisan Union Ekta, Sidhupur, and the Sanyukt Ganna Sangarsh Morcha, to discuss issues including compensation for crop damage, land acquisition for highways, sugarcane pricing, among others.
 
As the state government adopted a responsive attitude towards the farmers’ demands, several crucial decisions were made to address the burning issues affecting the farming community. The government agreed to cancel the red entries against farmers for burning stubble.
 
Addressing the contentious issue of meter installations, the Sub-Committee affirmed that only electronic meters would be employed, putting an end to the concerns raised by farmers about the reliability and accuracy of chip meters. The government also assured jobs to the families of those farmers who died during the year-long farmers’ agitation in Delhi against the Centre’s farm laws (now repealed).
 
The Government's commitment to resolve the ongoing issues extends beyond mere assurances. It was decided that a comprehensive strategy would be implemented to address crop damage compensation. The Cabinet Sub-Committee committed to expedite a decision during the state executive committee meeting, illustrating a proactive approach to mitigating losses faced by farmers due to various factors, including stubble burning.
 
To streamline the resolution process, the government announced the convening of a meeting involving all state commissioners. The aim is to expedite the resolution of pending cases within the next three months, emphasizing the government's commitment to timely and efficient solutions.
 
On the sugarcane pricing front, the Cabinet Sub-Committee clarified that Punjab has already declared the highest price of sugarcane across the country. In a bid to address concerns comprehensively, the Agriculture Department has been directed to form a committee comprising department officials, sugarcane experts, and farmers, which will conduct a thorough study, considering the cost price of producing sugarcane, suitable varieties for Punjab, and other concerns raised by farmers.
 
Responding to the demand for an early announcement of sugarcane prices in February, the sub-committee pledged to make an informed decision. This decision will be based on discussions with experts and farmers.
 
In a separate meeting with the Punjab Police Corona Volunteers, the Cabinet Sub-Committee demonstrated its recognition of the sacrifices made by frontline workers during the pandemic. A committee, comprising ADGP (HR) and two IG-level officers, was constituted to study their case comprehensively, urging the panel to submit a report that empathetically addresses the issues and demands of Corona volunteers.