News Headlines
Stubble burning in Punjab (Representative image)
Despite levying environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 2.4 crore on farmers statewide for stubble burning, the Punjab government appears to be sluggish in collecting the funds. As of 30 November, only Rs 38.12 lakh or 15.8 per cent of the total penalties have been recouped by the government.
Indian Express reported citing reliable sources that instructions have been given to authorities to proceed cautiously in the recovery of the EC. This was implemented in the current paddy season, which runs from 15 September to 30 November, as indicated in an action taken report from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC).
Indeed, during a Tuesday conference involving ministers and farmer union leaders, it was reportedly confirmed by authorities that the farmers would not face any repercussions in terms of recovery actions.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Sidhupur and convenor of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), spoke to The Indian Express about the specific discussions they had regarding the hefty penalties being levied on farmers under the EC.
He mentioned that these fines could range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh or even higher. However, he reassured that farmers would not be subjected to the stress of having to pay these fines.
The Tuesday meeting involved the SKM, a non-political entity consisting of 15 farmer unions from Punjab, and 18 farmer unions from North India, all guided by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) of Punjab.
Sarwan Singh Pandher, the convenor of 18 farmer unions in North India, indicated that only a handful of landlords and government workers have paid the fines to avoid repercussions. He pointed out that small-scale farmers haven't contributed even a small amount due to the excessive size of the fines.
"This issue was brought up in the panel committee meeting that took place on Tuesday at Punjab Bhawan, where ministers assured that they won't coerce farmers into paying the EC. However, it remains to be seen whether they will uphold their promise," he said.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest