Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Friday launched the party's initiative to provide relief to farmers and farm labourers whose standing wheat crops were damaged by heavy rain and hailstorms. The drive began at Gandhar village in the Malout Assembly constituency, where Sukhbir distributed one quintal of wheat each to 300 affected families.
Criticism of AAP Government
Sukhbir claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had shirked its responsibility towards farmers by refusing to provide any compensation. He said, "For us, this is a 'sewa', and we will try to reach every affected family." He expressed gratitude to the party leadership of Sangrur, Nabha, and Zira Assembly constituencies, who collected 300 quintals of wheat for distribution. The wheat stock is expected to reach other affected villages in the coming days.
Assessment of Crop Damage
Sukhbir visited several fields to assess the plight of farmers, who alleged they were not receiving eight-hour power supply for tubewells. He claimed that the paddy crop was drying up because farmers were not getting even two hours of regular power supply.
Future Promises
Sukhbir announced that once SAD forms the government in Punjab, it would provide 30 kg of flour under the atta-daal scheme at Rs 4 per kg, besides supplying pulses at Rs 20 per kg. He also promised to increase the Shagun assistance for marriage of girls from weaker sections to Rs 1 lakh and raise the old-age pension to Rs 3,100 per month. Homeless families would be provided with pucca houses.
