Punjab Government has, so far, released Rs 31.70 crore to the families of 634 farmers, who were martyred during the year-long farmers’ struggle against the Centre’s now repealed farm laws. Besides, as many as 326 family members of the deceased farmers have been given government jobs in various departments; of which, verification of 98 candidates has been completed while that of 210 candidates is under process.
The information was shared by the state Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal during a meeting with the farmers’ delegation, led by Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee’s state president Satnam Singh Pannu and state general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Agreeing with the farmers’ demands, Dhaliwal said that the Punjab Government will write a letter to the Union Government for early implementation of the demands accepted during the farmers' struggle.
On the issue of the land acquired for the highway being constructed under ‘Bharat Mala Yojana’, Dhaliwal asked the officials concerned that rates should be determined under uniform policy. He also asked the officials to resolve the farmers’ cases and appeals before the Divisional Commissions related to the land being taken for the highway within the stipulated time frame.
Dhaliwal also shared the progress report with the farmers against their demands regarding sugarcane prices, red entries, withdrawal of cases against farmers, dues of co-operative and private mills, compensation for crop damaged due to floods and other natural calamities.
He informed the farmers that the Punjab Agricultural policy will be prepared soon and most of the issues will be resolved with the implementation of the new policy. The Minister urged the members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee to withdraw their struggle, saying that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government stands shoulder to shoulder with the farmers and is constantly striving to resolve the problems of farmers.