Capt firm on debt waiver - Vidhan Sabha Speaker rejects Akali Dal motion
Thursday, 15/06/2017
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/capt-firm-on-debt-waiver/422550.html
Chandigarh : Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today said there was no question of backtracking on the debt waiver promise and the government would soon take over farm loans.
After the day’s proceedings, he said, “We will ensure that their mortgaged land or property is not confiscated.”
The CM’s statement came after the SAD today moved an adjournment motion, demanding discussion on the issue before proceeding further. But it was rejected by the Speaker, citing delay in submission of the motion.
Sources said that while the Akalis wanted to corner the Congress on its poll promise on farm debt waiver, the treasury benches wanted to delay the matter till the party comes out with major announcement in its Budget speech.
Coming to CM’s rescue, Local Bodies Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu said that in his recommendations to the expert committee headed by T Haque, he had made a strong case for bringing farmers having land up to five acres under the NREGA. Such farmers should be given a fixed amount in lieu of working in their fields, he said.
“It should be mandatory to make licence for those providing loans and disbursing loans through cheques. There should be a cap on the lines of Sir Chhotu Ram Punjab Relief Indebtedness Act of 1934, so that no farmer has to pay double the loan,” said Sidhu.
On the Sidelines
At the beginning of the session, CM Capt Amarinder Singh walked to the Oppn benches to greet SAD and AAP MLAs
The Bains brothers sat as per the seat arrangements by the Speaker. They had earlier demanded seats next to AAP MLAs
Gurkirat Kotli, Khanna MLA and grandson of late Chief Minister Beant Singh, countered the Akalis on KPS Gill issue
Voice of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Brahm Mohindra was drowned in the din when Navjot Singh Sidhu got up to speak against the Akalis on the drugs issue
