Hooda Condemns Haryana Government's Mandi Policies, Calls for Farmer Relief
Rohtak: In a sharp critique of the ruling administration, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the Leader of the Opposition in the Haryana Legislative Assembly, declared on Tuesday that he has been inundated with distressing reports from farmers statewide regarding the disarray and confusion prevailing in agricultural markets, commonly known as mandis.
Instead of facilitating the procurement of wheat and mustard crops at the guaranteed minimum support price (MSP), Hooda asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is consistently introducing new and burdensome conditions for farmers on a daily basis. The Congress stalwart made these remarks during his visit to Bhiwani, where he paid heartfelt tributes to the late former Member of Parliament, Chaudhary Jangbir Singh.
Farmers Trapped in Bureaucratic Maze, Says Hooda
While addressing the media, Hooda elaborated on the plight of the farming community. "Farmers are finding themselves hopelessly entangled in a complex bureaucratic labyrinth," he stated. "They are compelled to navigate a series of arduous requirements, including mandatory portal registrations, obtaining gate passes, securing guarantors, undergoing biometric verification, providing tractor registration numbers, and completing general verification procedures. Consequently, they are forced to endure waits spanning several days merely to sell their hard-earned produce."
He painted a grim picture of the agricultural sector, noting that farmers are being crushed under a dual burden. On one front, they face what he described as oppressive governmental policies, and on the other, they must contend with the unpredictable and harsh vagaries of the weather.
Unseasonal Rains Wreak Havoc, Government Response Criticized
Hooda highlighted that due to relentless and unseasonal rainfall, standing crops across the region have suffered extensive and severe damage. "Under these dire and challenging circumstances," he insisted, "the government has a moral and administrative obligation to immediately conduct a special girdawari, or crop damage assessment survey, and promptly provide adequate financial compensation to all affected farmers."
He expressed deep frustration with the current administration's response, accusing ministers within the government of issuing what he termed puerile and absurd statements. "Rather than taking decisive and compassionate action, some ministers are making ridiculous claims that the recent rainfall will miraculously lead to an increase in crop yields. This is both insensitive and factually incorrect," Hooda charged.
Demands for Bonus and Streamlined Procurement
The former Chief Minister of Haryana put forth a clear set of demands on behalf of the opposition. He called for the government to not only guarantee the minimum support price (MSP) but also to provide an additional bonus to farmers as a measure of support during this crisis. Furthermore, Hooda emphasized the urgent need for the government to streamline all arrangements at the mandis, eliminate unnecessary and cumbersome conditions, and ensure the swift and efficient procurement of crops without further delay.
To personally convey the mounting concerns and grievances of the farming community to the authorities, Hooda announced his intention to embark on an extensive tour of mandis across the state. "I will listen directly to the farmers, understand their struggles, and amplify their voices," he affirmed.
Statewide Tour to Assess Ground Reality
The senior Congress leader outlined his planned itinerary, stating that he would commence his fact-finding mission by visiting key grain markets in several districts. His tour is scheduled to include inspections and interactions at the mandis in Naraingarh, Sadhaura, Barara, Ambala, Pipli, and Karnal. The primary objective of this journey is to conduct a firsthand assessment of the procurement arrangements, infrastructure, and the overall conditions faced by farmers trying to sell their produce in these markets.
