हिंदी
SAD demands immediate sacking of Minister Ashu for failing to make arrangements for wheat season
Also demand Independent probe in self created scarcity of gunny bags and multi crore scam in purchase of plastic bags
Chandigarh, April 24 , 2021 : The Shiromani Akali Dal today demanded immediate sacking of Food and Supply Minister Mr. Bharat Bhushan Ashu for failing to make proper arrangements in mandis for wheat season and party also demanded high level Independent probe into multi crore scandal on intentionally creating scarcity of gunny bags made of jute and multi crore scandal in purchase of plastic bags in their place.
Party leaders submitted memorandums to their respective Deputy Commissioners in their Districts in name of Punjab Governor.
The situation in mandis was briefed in this memorandum which said that farmers were suffering in mandis across the state as Punjab Government has totally failed to make timely arrangements for the wheat season though it is known to everyone that timely steps have to be taken every season. It said that farmers were forced to camp in miserable conditions at procurement centers due to the State’s inability to arrange gunny bags to store the incoming wheat crop. It said that huge amount of wheat was lying in the open in mandis and it has not been lifted due to lack of gunny bags. It said that the state government has failed to timely float tenders for gunny bags. Punjab was also pipped by Haryana in placing of orders for used gunny bags. It said that Punjab government is now resorting to purchase of plastic bags and multi crore scandal is in offing in this purchase
Party demanded a high level independent probe in this scam and said that before ordering this probe Minister Ashu should be sacked from his post.
The SAD also urged the Punjab Governor to issue suitable directions to the Punjab Government to immediately take corrective measures to reduce pain of farmers of the state. It said that apart from lack of basic facilities in mandis, farmers were also facing a huge problem in getting payment of their produce as Punjab government portal is not working properly and entries of wheat purchased are not being made in it leading to non payment to farmers who have already sold their produce. It also said that farmers were also facing problem of shortage of space in mandis due to which they were forced to store in crop in their homes.
Party urged the Punjab Governor to immediately act on its appeal in the interests of farmers of the state.
