In a major decision intended to woo farmers ahead of 2018 Assembly polls, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh on Thursday announced a bonus package worth Rs 2100 crore for paddy farmers.
The decision was made at an emergency meeting convened by Singh here at party state headquarters. The bonus amount on basis of Rs 300 per quintal to be paid before Diwali this year and it is estimated to be benefit over 13 lakh paddy farmers who were accusing Raman Singh government of failing to live up to its pre-poll commitment made in 2013 assembly polls.
“The state government is committed to protect farmers interests,’’ Singh who has recently completed 5,000 days as Chief Minister, said while making the surprise announcement. He added that he announced bonus for farmers after Prime Minister Narendra Mondi and BJP president Amit Shah given him go ahead for a dream bonus package.
The announcements brought cheer and jubilation among BJP rank and file across the State as they feared that farmers were upset with the present BJP regime in Chhattisgarh for its flip flop on paddy bonus commitment.
Farmers were up in arms against Raman Singh government for allegedly ditching them and BJP leaders in the State were of the firm view that farmers need to be appeased otherwise they could stem BJP’s winning streak in assembly polls.
BJP has set a target of winning at least 65 out of state’s total 90 seats in year 2018 Assembly polls and the party was desperately needed to win back farmers. State Government has said Rs 2100 crore bonus amount is basically for last year’s paddy procurement and paddy bonus payment for the current year to be made next year.