Punjab Farmers Deserve Better Compensation Now
The recent floods in Punjab have left many farmers devastated, but the state government's response has fallen short. The Congress party has openly criticized the government's decision to offer a mere ₹20,000 per acre as compensation for the damage caused to crops. This amount has been labeled as insufficient by Congress leaders, who argue that the losses are not just limited to the destruction of crops but also include long-term damage to the soil and livestock.
Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has emphasized that the losses faced by farmers are severe. He pointed out that the current compensation does not reflect the true extent of the damages. According to Warring, farmers have already incurred losses of around ₹50,000 per acre. He has called for a fixed and early deadline for the transfer of compensation directly into the farmers' accounts to ensure that the promise does not become another "AAP hoax."
Warring further highlighted that the government has overlooked the significant losses related to livestock, which run into lakhs of rupees. He criticized the lack of compensation for damaged houses, underscoring the comprehensive impact of the floods on farmers' livelihoods.
In addition to the compensation issue, the government has introduced a scheme allowing farmers to extract and sell sand from their fields, which has been met with skepticism. Warring stated that this move merely shifts the responsibility from the government to the farmers, who need to clear their fields from sand and silt before they can cultivate them again.
Moreover, there is concern that the "sand mafia" may exploit farmers, potentially preventing them from benefitting from the selling of sand. Warring has called for clear guidelines on how farmers can sell sand, cautioning that without proper oversight, this could be another case of government optics rather than effective support.
In conclusion, the Congress party is demanding serious reconsideration of the compensation package for farmers affected by floods in Punjab. As the farming community faces unprecedented challenges, timely and adequate support is crucial for their recovery and future sustainability.
