Election Commission appoints 15 expenditure observers in Punjab
Chandigarh, October 12: The Punjab government today refused to accept any of the main demands of the agitating farmers relating to Rs 40,000 per acre compensation for the cotton damage and higher price for basmati.
The meeting of the eight kisan unions with Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal lasted about four hours.
The state government agreed to release Rs 64 crore as compensation to the farm workers.
The farmers leaders went into a huddle immediately after the meeting to take a decision about continuing the agitation and the decision would be announced after discussing all aspects.
Akali Dal general secretary and MP Prem Singh Chandumajra who had taken the initiative for the meeting said talks were held in a congenial atmosphere. It was conveyed to the leaders that neither Haryana nor Rajasthan where cotton had been damaged by white fly had announced so much compensation. The Punjab government has decided to compensate the cotton farmers at the rate of Rs 8000 per acre that is the highest in the country. This issue was discussed for about half an hour.
The issue of abadkars would be settled following outcome of the verdict of the case pending with the Supreme Court.
