Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demanded the Central help to farmers in lieu of stubble-burning, and forthwith settlement of outstanding Food Cash Credit Account (CCL).
In the 25-minute meeting, Amarinder sought the Centre’s assistance to the state for the upcoming celebration of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.
Flagging the menace of stubble burning, he made out a case for help of Rs 100 per quintal as compensation to farmers. Stressing the urgency to address the issue, he said the problem could aggravate with the close of the harvest season.
The state had taken various measures to address the issue, but the Centre’s hand-holding was crucial, and much needed, the CM said.
A spokesperson of the Punjab government quoted the Chief Minister as saying that Modi was sympathetic to the problem of farmers.
With regard to the outstanding Rs 31,000 crore CCL gap, Amarinder pitched for its resettlement on the principle of “shared responsibilities” among stakeholders in procurement of food grains for the country.
Urging Modi’s intervention, Amarinder informed him that the issue had been pending before the Union Finance Ministry on a reference received from the Food and Distribution Ministry.
He urged Modi to advise the Finance Ministry to reconsider and review the conversion of Rs 31,000 crore as long-term loan as it could not be solely attributed to the state government.
During the discussion, he reminded Modi of his assurance of the Centre’s assistance to the state government with regard to the proposed celebration of 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. He sought direction to the Union Culture Ministry and the National Implementation Committee to provide requisite support to make suitable arrangements for the event.
He thanked Modi for the Centre’s decision not to disturb with 60:40 ratio with respect to appointment of officers in the UT of Chandigarh.
Amarinder had earlier protested against the constant efforts made to tamper with the status quo which maintains a fine balance in sharing of officers and other resources between Haryana and Punjab.
