Akalis to be blamed for distress sale of paddy by farmers: Bajwa
Friday, 18/10/2013
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20131018/punjab.htm#4
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Partap Singh Bajwa has alleged that farmers were being harassed and fleeced in mandis as their paddy was being procured at least Rs 300 per quintal less than the minimum support price (MSP). Bajwa urged the Punjab Government to at least ensure that support price was paid to the farmers if it was unable to give them bonus.
“People from all sections are being harassed in the state. The SAD-BJP alliance is particularly targeting urban residents, forcing them to cough up hefty taxes. Since the government does not want to slash the Rs 6,000 crore farm subsidy, it is desperately trying to raise money from those in urban areas,” he alleged.
“Some top ruling leaders are hand in glove with commission agents. Together they are fleecing the farmers, who are being forced to sell their crop at Rs 800 to Rs 1,100 per quintal against the MSP of Rs 1,345 per quintal,” said Bajwa, who was in the city to participate in a function on the eve of the Valmiki Jayanti.
Bajwa also held a meeting with Congress leaders and workers here. He interacted with a group of industrialists. The latter said they planned to organise a state-level protest on October 23 against the imposition of taxes on industrialists and those living in cities and towns.
The industrialists alleged they were being forced to cough up regularisation charges despite having their building plans cleared by the authorities.
Besides, the government had imposed property tax on industry. “We have no alternative but to shift our units to other states which offer incentives to set up industry,” they said.
