AAP govt to take strict action against cattle feed mafia, says Ajnala MLA

AAP spokesperson and Ajnala MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has blamed the previous Congress and SAD-BJP governments for delay in implementing the Cattle Feed Act, 2018 which gave a free run to the cattle-feed mafia.

Addressing media persons here on Wednesday, Dhaliwal held the previous governments responsible for the nearly seven-year delay in implementing the Punjab Regulation of Cattle Feed, Concentrates and Mineral Mixture Act, 2018.

He alleged that the deliberate negligence and collusion of the previous governments caused immense harm to the interests of farmers and livestock owners, due to which they remained victims of exploitation by the cattle feed mafia selling substandard material for a long time.

Dhaliwal said that during its tenure, the Congress blatantly flouted legal procedures. Ignoring Article 304(b) of the Constitution, the government hastily introduced this important Bill in the Legislative Assembly without obtaining prior approval from the President.

He said this Act was meant to regulate the quality of cattle feed, an industry with an annual business of nearly Rs16,000 crore and the objective of the Act was to improve the health of over 65 lakh cattle in Punjab and ensure higher productivity for farmers, thereby increasing their income. However, the collusion of previous governments gave a free run to 1,500-2,000 unregistered feed manufacturers to continue their exploitation.

Dhaliwal said his party's government resolved this legal complication on priority basis immediately after assuming office. Taking swift action, the post-facto approval of the President was obtained on November 18.

Dhaliwal said that now, any manufacturer or dealer found selling adulterated or substandard cattle feed will face stringent legal action. Any person violating this Act will be punished with three years of imprisonment, and their registration will be cancelled immediately. The AAP government will not spare any mafia that exploits the farmers of Punjab.