Wheat Fires in Punjab: BJP Questions Government Response
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Synopsis
Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal criticizes the Aam Aadmi Party-led government for failing to implement the Prime Minister's Crop Insurance Scheme. He emphasizes the need for immediate crop loss assessments and compensation for farmers affected by recent wheat field fires.
Key Takeaways
- Pritpal Singh Baliawal raises concerns over the lack of government action.
- Wheat crop fires in Punjab are causing significant losses for farmers.
- The government is urged to expedite Girdawari assessments.
- Farmers demand better emergency response systems to prevent future fires.
- Loose electricity wires are blamed for igniting dry fields.
Chandigarh, April 20 (NationPress) Punjab BJP spokesperson Pritpal Singh Baliawal on Sunday voiced strong concerns regarding the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government's inability to implement the Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme, which could provide timely and direct compensation to farmers suffering from crop losses.
Baliawal pointed out the recent spate of wheat crop fire incidents in regions such as Moga, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Ferozepur, noting that these events have led to significant losses for farmers.
He called upon the government to promptly conduct a special Girdawari (crop loss assessment) and ensure that adequate compensation reaches affected farmers without delay.
Baliawal reminded that similar commitments were made by the government during last year's flood devastation, yet actual implementation remained limited to mere promises.
“This time, the government must not repeat the same mistakes. The Girdawari process should be finalized within a week, and financial support should be distributed without hesitation,” Baliawal stated.
He further questioned, “Why is the Punjab government intentionally neglecting the execution of a central scheme that benefits farmers directly? Is it political pride or a lack of resolve?”
He emphasized that indifference during such critical times only exacerbates the suffering of the agrarian community and urged the government to act responsibly.
As the wheat harvesting season accelerates, numerous fire incidents in fields due to the ongoing dry conditions have been reported, creating a major concern for farmers.
Farmers have been appealing to the government for compensation, citing the substantial economic losses incurred due to these fires. They have also highlighted the need for efficient emergency response systems, especially in rural and remote areas, to mitigate future fire incidents.
In many instances, farmers have attributed the fires to loose electricity wires over the fields, causing short-circuits and igniting the dry vegetation.
