Against the negligence of the Punjab government led by CM Bhagwant Mann, the Farmers’ unions led by Smyukat Kissan Morcha (SKM) are going to stage a protest from today in Chandigarh.
Farmer unions have alleged the government over their stand on Bhakra Bayas Management Board (BBMB) issue. They said they had staged a protest on the 25 march regarding the BBMB issue on which the state government did not take any action. SKM purportedly said that the Punjab government failed to serve the interest of the state. The central government had taken away the right of Punjab in the management of BBMB through the new Dam Safety Bill.
SKM explained that the power management of the dam is now in the hands of the center and the decision to release water into the rivers of the state will be taken by the central government. Apart from this, SKM raised the issue of the power that the state used to get 40 paise per unit from the Dam would now be available commercially. The whole burden will fall on the farmers of the state.
Leaders of Samyukta Kisan Morcha said that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann was not ready to accept their demands. So there is no option left for us without demonstration. We will have to initiate our struggle against the newly formed AAP government. They added that farmers from across the state will assemble at Gurdwara Amb Sahib in Mohali.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had held a meeting with the farmer leaders in which he had assured to give a bonus to the farmers but till date, no bonus has been credited. Farmers are also against the installation of chip meters but the government has not taken any decision on this demand as well. Apart from this, there has also been no notification issued, related to the procurement and prices of basmati. Arrears of Sugarcane were not paid to the farmers, yet.