Congress leader and chairman of the All India Kisan Congress, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, has made a fervent appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to announce a special relief package for the farmers of Punjab. This package, as detailed in a letter sent ahead of the Prime Minister's proposed visit to the state, specifically includes a comprehensive farm debt waiver to address the severe financial distress faced by lakhs of farming families.
Timing the Appeal with the PM's Visit
Khaira emphasized that the Prime Minister's upcoming visit to Punjab presents a crucial and timely opportunity to deliver long-awaited relief. He framed this as a moment for the central government to take decisive action that could transform the lives of countless rural households struggling under the burden of debt and economic hardship.
A Stark Contrast in Debt Relief
In his correspondence, the Congress leader drew a sharp and compelling comparison. He pointed to public records indicating that the Government of India has, over recent years, written off or restructured bad loans amounting to nearly Rs 16 lakh crore for major corporate houses. In stark contrast, he highlighted that the total outstanding agricultural debt for Punjab's farmers is estimated to be around Rs 1 lakh crore. This debt is not concentrated but spread across lakhs of small and marginal farmers who are fighting daily to sustain their livelihoods and feed the nation.
The Historical and Contemporary Contributions of Punjab's Farmers
Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who is also the legislator from Bholath, passionately underscored the immense historical contribution of Punjab's farming community. He reminded the Prime Minister that farmers from the state played a disproportionately significant role in India's freedom struggle. Furthermore, they were the vanguard of the Green Revolution, a monumental effort that helped India achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrain production and ensured national food security for decades.
Guardians of the Nation's Borders
The senior leader extended his argument to the present day, noting that the sons and daughters of Punjab's farming families continue to serve the nation with valor. They form a significant part of the Indian armed forces, guarding the country's borders and often making the ultimate sacrifice, particularly amid ongoing tensions along the frontiers with China and Pakistan. Khaira presented this as a testament to their unwavering patriotism and sacrifice.
A Call for Comprehensive and Immediate Action
Citing these multifaceted contributions—economic, historical, and patriotic—Khaira made a direct and urgent appeal to the Centre. He urged the announcement of a substantial and comprehensive relief package during the Prime Minister's visit. The cornerstone of this package, he insisted, must be a significant farm debt waiver.
He argued that such a decisive move would provide immediate economic relief to the distressed agricultural sector. More importantly, it would help restore a sense of hope, dignity, and financial stability among rural households that have borne the brunt of economic challenges. Khaira concluded his appeal by calling for the Prime Minister's personal intervention, urging him to make a historic announcement that truly serves the interests of the country's farmers, recognizing their past service and present plight.
