Punjab floods: Farmers reject Rs 20K per acre compensation

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (Kadian) has rejected the state government’s announcement of Rs 20,000 per acre compensation for crop damages caused by recent floods, calling it “grossly inadequate.”

The union has demanded a minimum of Rs 1 lakh per acre relief and a Rs 10-lakh grant for families of deceased flood victims.

The demand was raised during a meeting held here under the leadership of union state president Harmit Singh Kadian. Farmers’ representatives criticised the government’s relief measures and insisted that meaningful action should follow consultations with farmer unions.

The union also dismissed the current Rs 4 lakh compensation for deceased individuals, arguing that it should be raised to Rs 10 lakh, especially since the state’s health insurance scheme already offers free treatment up to Rs 10 lakh.

Expressing concern over the widespread damage caused by floods, the BKU (Kadian) accused the state government of failing to support the affected resident and urged immediate release of pending sugarcane payments to help farmers meet their urgent needs.

The meeting concluded with a resolution that once the flood situation stabilises, the BKU (Kadian) will assist farmers in preparing land and sowing the next crop, with district-level leaders assigned to coordinate efforts.

The farmer leaders also praised relief efforts by Sukhbir Singh Badal, Khalsa Aid, and prominent personalities from the film industry, Punjabi singers and social organisations, acknowledging their support for flood-affected communities.

The union condemned the state government’s for not having a concrete policy and criticised political leaders for focusing on photo opportunities rather than real action. They also demanded immediate loan waivers for the affected farmers, rather than mere deferments.