The AAP-led government has approved a new policy, taking a significant step for the flood-affected farmers. In the cabinet meeting chaired by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Jiska Khet, Uski Sand policy has been given the green signal to support the farmers amid the Punjab floods. Under this policy, affected farmers will be allowed to extract sand from their fields, and the ownership rights will also remain with them.
Punjab CM Mann joined the meeting through video conferencing from Fortis Hospital and announced the decisions after the two-hour meeting. He said: “Due to the flood, the fields have been filled with mud and sand from the rivers. Under the new policy, farmers will be able to extract sand or soil from their land and can also sell it if they want”. Chief Minister Mann stated that this will also increase the width of the rivers and reduce pollution and blockages.
Govt. will provide compensation to support Farmers affected Punjab floods
Not only this, a compensation of Rs 20,000 per acre will be given to the farmers affected in the Punjab floods, as decided in the meeting. Notably, this is the highest compensation announced by any state government so far. Compensation cheques will be given directly to the farmers. Apart from this, a relief package was also announced for the flood victims.
In addition, it was decided to give Rs 4 lakh as assistance to the families of the persons who lost their lives in the flood in the meeting. Those whose houses have been washed away or collapsed will be surveyed to evaluate the damage, and financial assistance will be provided. Farmers will get a 6-month relaxation in the instalments of loans taken from committees and cooperative banks.