Chandigarh: In a move aimed at providing immediate relief to flood-hit farmers, Manish Sisodia, Punjab Incharge and a senior leader of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government on Sunday announced that farmers will soon be allowed to sell the sand deposited on their fields by floodwaters. The state government is preparing a policy in this regard, which is expected to be notified within the next two days.
“This will be a big relief for farmers. If they want to sell the sand, they can. The devastation is huge and relief has to be on a large scale,” Manish Sisodia said, underlining the government’s efforts to support those who have suffered massive crop and property losses.
He welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Punjab on September 9, noting that the Prime Minister had already spoken to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had also reviewed the situation. At the same time, he pointed out that no substantial step has so far been taken by the Centre.
Highlighting the financial strain on the state, he said nearly Rs 60,000 crore owed to Punjab by the Centre remains withheld, including Rs 58,000 crore under GST and rural development allocations. “Before the Prime Minister comes, the Centre should release Punjab’s Rs 60,000 crore,” he remarked.
Separately, AAP leader Manish Sisodia criticised Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, who visited the state to assess the flood damage. “The devastation is so severe that even a hard-hearted person would be moved, but Chauhan is busy making political statements. His remarks reflect his mindset,” Sisodia said.
The sand auction policy, once notified, is expected to provide farmers a direct avenue for financial recovery, giving them the option to monetise sand deposits that otherwise render farmland unfit for cultivation.
