Punjab CM Meets Union Minister Prahlad Joshi Over Crop Loss, RDF Funds
Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann met Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Friday to discuss key issues including crop damage caused by recent rains and the pending Rural Development Fund (RDF).
The Chief Minister urged the Centre to immediately send a team to assess the damage to crops so that affected farmers can be compensated. The Union Minister assured that teams would be dispatched soon.
Mann also demanded the immediate release of around ₹9,000 crore under the RDF. He stated that the Punjab government is willing to withdraw its case if the Centre releases the funds, even suggesting that the amount could be disbursed in installments.
Speaking to reporters, Mann said that a recent virtual meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed sectors likely to be affected by the Gulf conflict. He added that Punjab has submitted a list regarding the same.
Highlighting storage concerns, Mann said that about 155 metric tonnes of wheat are lying in covered godowns in Punjab. He urged the Food Corporation of India to lift the stock, clear warehouses, and run special trains. He suggested that the grain could be distributed under the Public Distribution System and the Prime Minister’s welfare schemes. The Centre has assured that additional trains will be arranged between April and June to clear the stock.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the Cash Credit Limit, pointing out that states pay higher interest rates on loans from the Reserve Bank of India compared to the Centre. He noted that even a 0.55% higher interest rate results in a loss of around ₹500 crore for Punjab.
On the issue of commission agents (arhtiyas), Mann said that they are demanding higher rates than those fixed by the Centre. However, they have not gone on strike following discussions with the state government. He emphasized that the mandi system in Punjab and Haryana is strong and should not be disturbed.
Jakhar should write to the Prime Minister instead of him : Mann
Responding to Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar’s demand to implement the Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme, Mann questioned how much compensation farmers have received so far under the scheme, calling its rules complex. He added that Jakhar should write to the Prime Minister instead of him.
CM remarks, Shiromani Akali Dal has already failed in the “people’s court”
Commenting on Sukhbir Singh Badal’s remarks, Mann said that while justice may be slow, it is precise. He claimed that the Shiromani Akali Dal has already failed in the “people’s court” and will face judgment in due course. He also announced a special session on April 13 to discuss the sacrilege law issue.