Centre orders survey to shift border fencing in Punjab near zero line, says CM Mann
The deputy commissioners of six border districts -- Fazilka, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot -- have received letters from the Union Home Ministry regarding the survey.
PTC News Desk: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday said that the Centre has ordered to carry out a social impact survey regarding the proposed shifting of barbed wire fencing near the zero line. He added that the SDMs will begin the exercise soon.
He further said that the deputy commissioners of six border districts -- Fazilka, Ferozepur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Pathankot -- have received letters from the Union Home Ministry regarding the survey. He added that the SDMs will begin the exercise soon.
“The farmers face several hardships, as the Border Security Force (BSF) has imposed several restrictions on agricultural land beyond the fencing. The fencing is currently permitted up to a minimum of 150 metres, but farmers have expressed willingness to allow it up to 300 metres. However, at some places, it is as far as 3-4 km. The shift in fencing will benefit lakhs of farmers and also reduce the financial burden on the government, which pays compensation of Rs 15,000 per acre. Presently, farmers cannot sow tall crops so that no one can hide in them,” said the CM.
The Chief Minister said that registration for the Mukh Mantri Mawan Dhiyan Satkar Yojana will begin on Tuesday in nine Assembly areas. Under this scheme, women from the general category will get ₹1,000 per month, while SC women will receive ₹1,500 per month.
He added that the pilot project will start in Adampur, and beneficiaries will get the money from the day the scheme begins, even if their cards are issued later.
Talking about rail connectivity in Talwandi Sabo, where Takht Sri Damdama Sahib is located, the CM said he had earlier suggested in Parliament that a special train like Rajasthan’s “Palace on Wheels” should be started to connect all Sikh Takhts, possibly called “Sikhism on Wheels.” He welcomed the improved rail connectivity and said the train is likely to be fully used.
On women’s reservation, the CM said his party already has 11 women MLAs, which is higher than other parties. He also supported the proposal to reserve 33% seats for women in the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.