Punjab CM: Open Dialogue with Farmers, Minimize Public Disturbance
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 3, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann opened channels for farmer negotiations while stressing the importance of avoiding public disruptions. He acknowledged the challenges of protests but reiterated the commitment to resolving farmer issues through dialogue.
Key Takeaways
- Open dialogue with farmers is prioritized.
- Public inconvenience due to protests should be minimized.
- Protests affecting business operations are detrimental.
- The government supports farmers but urges consideration of public impact.
- Efforts to alleviate agrarian crisis are ongoing.
Chandigarh, March 3 (NationPress) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann stated on Monday that his doors are always open for discussions with the farmers, but public inconvenience and harassment in the name of protests should be minimized.
During a meeting with farmers, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government is committed to resolving issues affecting various sectors of society through dialogue, ensuring that the common man does not face disruptions due to road and railway blockades.
He remarked that such actions lead to public discontent against protesters, fostering discord within the community.
Mann expressed regret that the common populace suffers considerably due to these unwarranted protests.
He acknowledged that while protesting is a democratic right of the farmers, they should also recognize the significant losses it incurs for the state.
The Chief Minister noted that traders and industrialists have reported that their businesses are adversely affected by frequent road and railway disruptions.
Mann appealed to farmers to refrain from tactics that sow discord among the populace.
While the government supports farmers, he clarified that many of their demands are directed toward the Union government.
He pointed out that ongoing protests by farmers’ unions have resulted in hardships for Punjab and its residents.
To illustrate, CM Mann stated that daily road blockades cause substantial suffering for thousands.
The Chief Minister urged farmers to avoid causing inconvenience to the common man through their protests, as it disrupts their daily activities.
He noted that road and railway blockades do not influence the Union government, but they severely impact the lives of ordinary citizens.
Mann further mentioned that none of his predecessors have conducted as many meetings with farmers to address their concerns.
However, he lamented that farmers continue protesting for reasons unrelated to the government.
The Punjab government has already dismissed the draft of the National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing proposed by the Union government.
CM Mann asserted that agriculture and agricultural marketing fall under state jurisdiction, and the Union government should not interfere.
He described the draft as reflecting an anti-Punjab and anti-farmer stance from the Union government.
The state government has already formally opposed this draft.
Additionally, the Chief Minister mentioned that a draft agriculture policy has been prepared by the state government.
Suggestions have been solicited from all stakeholders, and the policy will be finalized following their feedback, which is expected within 20 days.
On another note, the Chief Minister discussed the state government's initiatives to rescue farmers from the ongoing agrarian crisis.
He stated that comprehensive efforts are underway to alleviate the farmers' debt burden and ensure their well-being.
CM Mann acknowledged that rising input costs and decreasing returns have left farmers at a crossroads, and efforts are being made to enhance their income.
