CII calls upon farmers, govts to end impasse

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, November 17

Expressing deep concern over the state’s economy and industry in the wake of ongoing rail blockade because of agitation by farmer organisations, the CII has issued a fervent appeal to both the Central and state governments and also the farmer organisations to come together and find an amicable solution to end this crisis.

Office-bearers of CII stated that the rail blockade had acquired the shape of economic blockade. The industry in Punjab, already reeling under Covid disruption, has estimated losses in thousands of crores as train services remain suspended.

Rahul Ahuja, chairman, CII Punjab State Council, has urged the Central Government to initiate train service as it is damaging the state’s industry. The Union Government, along with the state government, should sit together and resolve the problems of the farmers.

“The farmers of Punjab contribute nearly 50 per cent of food in the country. In a democracy everyone has a right to represent their cause to peaceful protests and agitation. We understand that farmers may have some reservations with respect to the recently passed farm Acts. However, this agitation is now causing economic losses not only to large businesses but is even impacting the local industry, the labour in the factories, logistic providers, small kirana stores who are unable to get the supply, daily wage earners and even small farmers,” he said.

Bhavdeep Sardana, vice-chairman, CII Punjab State, stated that the current crisis had adversely impacted the working capital and liquidity in market. Further continuing of this crisis would mean flight of industry, investment, jobs and capital from the state which it can ill afford at this juncture, he added.