Punjab Congress Leader Urges MSP Law and Financial Support for Farmers in Lok Sabha
Punjab Congress president and Ludhiana MP Amrinder Singh Raja Warring made a series of critical demands in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, focusing on agricultural and relief issues affecting the state. He called on the central government to enact legislation guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers, a promise made during the withdrawal of their 15-month-long protest against three farm laws.
Key Demands for Agricultural and Financial Relief
Warring emphasized the need for substantial support to Punjab's agricultural sector. He demanded an annual research grant of Rs 50 crore to Rs 70 crore for Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana to enhance research facilities and promote better farming practices. Additionally, he sought debt relief for small and marginal farmers through a one-time settlement that waives off their interest.
"If the government can waive off loans worth Rs 16 lakh crore of big industrialists, why can it not provide debt relief to small and marginal farmers?"Warring questioned, highlighting disparities in financial assistance.
Flood Relief and Political Tensions
The Congress leader also urged the Government of India to immediately release Rs 1,600 crore in flood relief funds promised to Punjab, noting that not a single penny has been provided so far. He accused the state of being "sandwiched in the fight between the BJP-ruled Centre and the AAP-led state government," suggesting political conflicts are hindering aid.
"When the Centre knew that the AAP government in Punjab had already misused the Rs 12,000 crore disaster relief fund, why did it withhold the flood relief? Why victimize people of Punjab for that?"Warring stated, criticizing the withholding of funds.
Withdrawal of Farm Laws and Compensation
Referring to the three central agricultural laws, Warring pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced their suspension. He demanded that these laws "should be completely withdrawn and not merely suspended," recalling that farmers braved all odds for 15 months, with about 750 losing their lives during the agitation. He called for compensation for the deceased farmers and the withdrawal of FIRs registered against farmers during the protests.
Agricultural Diversification and Stubble Burning
Warring proposed a special Rs 50,000 corpus fund for diversifying agriculture in Punjab, suggesting the state be divided into five different agricultural zones for specific crop cultivation. On the issue of stubble burning, he defended Punjab farmers, stating they are being "maligned and blamed for pollution even when stubble burning was there for ages." He demanded the withdrawal of laws against stubble burning, cancellation of FIRs based on satellite imagery, and an incentive of Rs 5,000 per acre to encourage farmers against the practice.
Critique of Existing Schemes
Regarding the Kisan Samridhi Yojana, which provides Rs 6,000 relief per year to farmers, Warring remarked, "This amount is not even enough to get fodder for one animal," underscoring the inadequacy of current support measures.
In summary, Amrinder Singh Raja Warring's demands in the Lok Sabha highlight pressing issues in Punjab's agricultural and relief sectors, calling for legislative action, financial support, and policy changes to address farmer welfare and state development.
