In no unclear terms, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday made it clear that lending agencies, including banks will not be allowed to sell land of farmers for not re-paying the loans.
Making an assurance to this effect on the floor of the House, he said, “The Government has decided that it will not allow banks to sell farmers’ land for not re-paying loans.” Necessary directions on the issue of pending farm loans have been sent to the banks, he said.
Capt Amarinder, who was responding to a query raised by SAD MlA NK Sharma during Zero Hour, said that the Government will enact a new legislation to prohibit kurki (auction) of farmers’ land by the lending agencies in case of default.
“Government has taken this decision…there will be no kurki on any farmer,” he said.
Sharma, citing news report, alleged that the bank officials are issuing notices and harassing the farmers for not re-paying the loans.
later, while talking with the media, Capt Amarinder categorically asserted that not a single inch of farmers’ land would be allowed to be confiscated, while promising legislation in the forthcoming budget session to protect all such land from kurki.
“The State Government would bring in a legislation soon to secure the rights of the peasantry and ensure that no farmer is harassed by any bank in case of non-payment of their outstanding loans. Banks have been directed not to issue any auction notices to farmers in case of non-payment,” he said.
Reiterating that his Government would negotiate the loans of the farmers with banks, Capt Amarinder also disclosed that he was expecting the CCl (cash credit limit) funds to be released by the central Government any time.
AAP MlA Sukhpal Khaira sought subsidy on transportation of potatoes by farmers to different places.
Former Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa (SAD) alleged that the new government has stopped funds for the ongoing developmental projects, and the same decision should be withdrawn.