Amarinder Singh opposes DBT for farmers, writes to PM seeking deferment of scheme

The Chief Minister, who has also sought time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a meeting on the issue.

He sought PM's personal indulgence to issue appropriate directions to the Union Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution to defer the implementation of the scheme for at least one year.

The ahrtiyas and farmers have long-standing relations, he pointed out, questioning the need to change the system when it was working very well.

In his letter, Capt Amarinder drew the Prime Minister’s attention to the Ministry’s directions, asking the Government of Punjab to ensure direct payment to farmers along with online submission of the details of land owners/ cultivators.

Pointing to the age-old relationship that Punjab has between the Commission Agents (Arhtiyas), who are licensees under the Agriculture Produce Market Committee Act 1961 and farmers, he noted that for the past many decades, the State Procurement Agencies and FCI have been procuring foodgrains for the Central Pool.

The farmers have never complained of non-receipt of payment of MSP, and the state government is ensuring online payment to farmers, albeit through these Arhtiyas, he added.

The Chief Minister said the land ownership and tenancy issues may give rise to various avoidable legal complications, especially during the ongoing farmers' agitation.

This, he said, “may also cause avoidable unrest and anguish among the farmers.” He further noted that bringing the software in line with the proposed directions will take considerable time.