Bathinda: The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Sidhupur) on Tuesday launched indefinite protests outside branches of the Punjab State Cooperative Agricultural Development Bank (PADB) across 10 districts. The farmers' body is opposing the bank's practice of retaining blank cheques from farmers when advancing loans.
Allegations Against the Bank
The farmer union alleged that banks later deposit these cheques when borrowers fail to repay loans on time, triggering litigation and, in some cases, court proceedings for auction of farmers' land. A large number of women activists participated in the protests on the first day, highlighting the widespread concern among farming communities.
Leaders Speak Out
BKU Ekta Sidhupur general secretary Kaka Singh Kotda and senior leader Resham Singh Yatra stated that the practice is being used to harass financially distressed farmers and demanded its immediate cessation. They emphasized that the blank cheque system adds undue pressure on farmers already struggling with debt.
The leaders cited the March 23 suicide of two brothers, Jaskaran Singh (38) and Jaswinder Singh (34) of Hari Nau village in Faridkot. The brothers allegedly died by suicide by jumping before a train near Kotkapura amid financial distress linked to loan repayment fears. While clarifying that the bank had no direct role in the suicides, the farmer leaders noted that the pressure arising from loan recovery mechanisms had deepened the brothers' distress.
Demands and Next Steps
The BKU is demanding an end to the blank cheque practice and is calling for a more transparent and farmer-friendly loan system. The protests are expected to continue until their demands are met, with the union planning to escalate if necessary.
