Land being split under Bharatmala Project: Seechewal

During the winter session of parliament, Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal raised the problem of farmers' land being divided into fragments under the Bharatmala Project, stating that the land being broken up is not just a piece of property but "Mother Earth" itself.

Seechewal asked the government that when farmers' land is acquired for national highways, road construction in several areas leaves the land split into two separate portions. He emphasised that the issue is not limited just to Punjab but deeply concerns farmers across the country.

Seechewal also questioned how the government plans to address the difficulties farmers face in accessing the remaining parts of their land.

In response, the Ministry of National Highways stated that instead of building new roads, the existing roads are usually widened to minimise fragmentation of farmland. Where such division cannot be avoided, facilities like vehicular underpasses and foot-over bridges are provided.

Seechewal also demanded that public services in banks be made available in regional languages and raised questions regarding digital integration of village panchayats.

The Finance Ministry informed that banks have been instructed to provide services and essential documents in regional languages. These include boards, booklets, account-opening forms and other printed material.

To digitally connect panchayats, the government has implemented the 'e-Panchayat Mission Mode Project' and the 'e-Gram Swaraj' application. Under the BharatNet project, 2.18 lakh panchayats have been made ready for internet services. The target is to connect all gram panchayats by March 2027.

Safe return of Indian youth

Seechewal requested the PM Modi that during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, the issue of safe return of Indian youths trapped in the Russian army be raised prominently. In his letter, he mentioned that several families had approached him, pleading for the safe return of their children. With President Putin visiting India, these families are holding hope that the matter will be addressed soon.