Chandigarh: Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu on Wednesday criticised the AAP-led Punjab govt for not implementing the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, expressing concern over heavy crop losses due to unseasonal rains.Bittu said, “This lapse has deprived farmers of much-needed financial protection during such crises.”Citing that many parts of Punjab, especially the Malwa region, were heavily impacted by the extremely heavy rainfall and hailstorm, Bittu, in a video statement, addressed to chief minister Mann in Punjabi saying, “If you had ensured insurance coverage for all crops, farmers wouldn’t be so worried. The insurance would have automatically compensated them, and the central govt would have facilitated it. But I don’t understand why you are being so stubborn. Why are you taking this stand? Why are you acting against the farmers of Punjab?” He also said, “You haven’t even announced any special girdawari (crop damage assessment) yet. Neither are you talking to central govt departments, nor are you getting insurance done. What is a farmer supposed to do?” Bittu added, “Recently, two brothers committed suicide. Please wake up! You still have six months — the farmers can be saved. But you remain stuck in your stubborn stance, claiming insurance is the Centre’s responsibility or refusing to involve big insurers.” Ends MSID:: 130113632 413 |
