Punjab, October 31: Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led state government over farmers' financial difficulties and alleged that the administration has failed to address problems within the state's cooperative banking system.
Addressing a press conference, Jakhar claimed that people from several sections of society, including farmers and government employees, were facing difficulties while the state government was avoiding its responsibilities. He also criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that the government's public appearances and statements were not translating into solutions to issues faced by people on the ground.
Raising concerns over the functioning of the cooperative credit system, Jakhar claimed that State Agricultural Development Banks in 11 districts of Punjab had remained closed for the past five months. He alleged that employees and farmers were holding protests over the situation, but the state government had not taken adequate steps to resolve their concerns.
Jakhar also questioned the government's claims regarding Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facilities and farm-loan relief. He said the government had promised to form a committee in the Punjab Assembly to examine farmers' loan-related issues and the One-Time Settlement (OTS) mechanism. However, he alleged that the Assembly session ended without farmers receiving the promised relief.
Jakhar Questions Changes in Cooperative Loan Rules
The BJP leader further criticised changes he said had been introduced in the share-money requirements for farmers seeking loans through cooperative institutions. According to Jakhar, farmers previously had to deposit ₹3,300 as share money for loans of up to ₹1 lakh, but the amount had been increased to ₹6,000. For loans above ₹2 lakh, he claimed the requirement had risen from ₹5,000 to ₹9,000.
He also alleged that farmers were now being required to mortgage their land with cooperative societies, making the borrowing process more difficult.
Jakhar claimed that liquidity-related restrictions and reserve requirements had affected the ability of cooperative banks to provide credit. He said farmers were facing difficulties obtaining loans for agricultural inputs, including DAP and urea fertilisers.
Jakhar Highlights PM-KISAN Assistance
Referring to the Centre's Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, Jakhar said eligible farmers were receiving financial assistance directly in their bank accounts under the central government programme. He contrasted this with what he described as the Punjab government's failure to deliver on its commitments to farmers.
Warning of further difficulties if the issues remained unresolved, Jakhar urged the state government to take action on the functioning of agricultural development banks, cooperative loan facilities and farmers' financial concerns.
The claims regarding bank closures, revised loan requirements and pending relief were made by Jakhar during the press conference. The state government's response to these allegations was not included in the information provided for this report.
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