Did the Centre Fund Wheat Procurement While Punjab Govt Took All the Credit?
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Synopsis
BJP leader Pritpal Singh Baliawal highlights the AAP government's self-promotional efforts while neglecting the Centre's significant support for wheat procurement. As farmers received timely payments, the AAP's failure to acknowledge this assistance raises questions about political accountability. Explore the dynamics of federal support and state governance in Punjab's farming landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Centre's crucial funding: The Central government provided Rs 28,894 crore for wheat procurement.
- Farmers benefited: 724,405 farmers sold over 130 lakh metric tonnes of wheat.
- Political accountability: AAP criticized for neglecting to acknowledge the Centre’s support.
- Unfulfilled promises: AAP’s election pledge of MSP for 23 crops remains unfulfilled.
- Cooperative federalism: The need for respect and acknowledgment between state and central governments.
Chandigarh, May 16 (NationPress) - Following the conclusion of the wheat procurement in Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has been criticized for its ongoing self-promotional efforts that overlook the significant support provided by the Centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as stated by BJP leader Pritpal Singh Baliawal on Friday.
“The facts tell a more compelling story than any banners,” Baliawal remarked, emphasizing that in March, the government of India allocated a Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs 28,894 crore to ensure timely payments of the minimum support price (MSP) to farmers.
Despite announcing the end of the procurement season, where 724,405 farmers sold over 130 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, resulting in payments exceeding Rs 28,500 crore directly to their accounts, the state government failed to acknowledge this support.
The state’s Food and Civil Supplies Minister, Lal Chand Kataruchak, did not recognize the Central government’s contribution, which, according to Baliawal, reflects a pattern of political ingratitude from the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP administration.
Baliawal further stated, “It’s crucial to emphasize that the entire procurement system, including the prompt payment to farmers within 24 hours, was facilitated by the structured mechanisms and advance funding provided by the Modi-led government, rather than the state administration.”
“The Bhagwant Mann government has not offered a single word of gratitude to the Union government,” Baliawal remarked, describing this silence as indicative of political dishonesty and a lack of respect for cooperative federalism. Additionally, senior Union ministers visited major procurement centers like Khanna and Samrala during the procurement season to ensure farmers faced no difficulties.
“These visits reaffirm the Central government’s dedication to India’s annadata (food providers),” he noted.
Baliawal also criticized the AAP government for failing to fulfill its promises, stating, “AAP pledged MSP for 23 crops in its election manifesto. So far, only wheat and paddy have been included in any state procurement guarantee.”
Rather than addressing these shortcomings, the AAP government persists in misleading publicity campaigns, attempting to take full credit for a system that has been fundamentally supported, funded, and executed by the Union government.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the complexities in the relationship between state and central governments. While the AAP government in Punjab has been criticized for its lack of acknowledgment towards the Centre's contributions, the success of the procurement system is indeed a collaborative effort that requires cooperation and mutual respect between both levels of government.
NationPress
20/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Cash Credit Limit (CCL) provided by the Centre?
The Cash Credit Limit (CCL) of Rs 28,894 crore was released by the government of India to ensure timely disbursal of the minimum support price to farmers.
How many farmers sold wheat during the procurement season?
During the procurement season, 724,405 farmers sold over 130 lakh metric tonnes of wheat.
What has the AAP government been criticized for?
The AAP government has been criticized for engaging in self-promotional campaigns while neglecting to acknowledge the Centre's support in wheat procurement.
What is the role of the Central government in the procurement system?
The Central government facilitated the procurement system through advance funding and structured mechanisms, ensuring prompt payments to farmers.
What promises did AAP make in its election manifesto?
AAP promised MSP for 23 crops, but to date, only wheat and paddy are covered under any state procurement guarantee.
