The leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Sukhpal Singh Khaira on Saturday provided monetary help to the families of farmers who have committed suicide because of farm debt.
Khaira, while talking to the medipersons at Jalandhar said that with the help of NRIs, seven families were given Rs 50,000 each as one time help and 20 families were adopted for monthly pension of Rs 2,500 for next 5 years. The monetary was provided under ‘Peerit Kisan-Khet Mazdoor Bachao Muhim’ initiated by Sukhpal Khaira with the help of NRI Punjabis and local donors.
“We initiated the muhim from Bathinda and Mansa area, where the affected families were provided monetary help. It is the need of the hour to save the farmers of State as the successive Governments have failed the agriculture in State,” Khaira said.
“Capt Amarinder Singh had categorically assured to waive off the total debt of farmers before elections but he is now shying away from fulfilling his manifesto promise. The farmers must question Congress leaders about the bogus promises made to them when they come for campaign in Gurdaspur by-poll.” said Khaira.
The leader of Oppositon said as per the promise, it was Capt’s agreement with the farmers of the state to waive off the whole loan, so failing to do so it is sheer breach of agreement.
He asked if a case of abetment to suicide can be registered against a commission agent on the basis of a suicide note, then why is the same yardstick not being applied to the CM, as two farmers have recently held Capt responsible for their suicides in their notes left behind.
Khaira said that in the annual budget of state, a minimal amount of Rs 1,500 crores was allotted against the debt of Rs 1 lakh crore.
“It is such a cruel joke with the farmers of the state that they are left on the mercy of God and are forced to commit suicide. In last 6 months of Captain Government, about 250 farmers have committed suicide.” Khaira said. He also supported the agitation of farmer organisations against Capt Government starting from September 22.