Big win for Punjab farmers: Govt accepts all key demands, 7-day protest set to end
PTC Web Desk: The ongoing standoff between the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Punjab Government appears to have come to an end, with both sides reaching a complete agreement on the farmers' key demands.
Leaders of the farmer organisations have accepted the written agreement sent by the Punjab Government. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian announced the acceptance of demands at the farmers' protest stage.
The development comes after a meeting of the SKM leadership at a hotel in Phase 11, Mohali. After approving the government's written proposal, the farmer leaders left for the protest venue.
Thousands of farmers who had gathered on the outskirts of Chandigarh are now preparing to return home as the seven-day protest is set to conclude following the Agriculture Minister's announcement.
Key demands accepted by govt
The agreement follows a meeting held at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday evening between Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian, Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh and representatives of the farmer organisations.
One of the major demands accepted by the government relates to river water agreements. The government has agreed to bring a resolution in the Punjab Assembly and take up the relevant provisions through a special session.
The farmers also received assurances on several other issues, including the electricity amendment bill, prepaid or smart electricity meters, farmers' loan relief and a one-time settlement scheme.
The demand for an increase in the sugarcane price has also been accepted.
Punjab to offer highest sugarcane price
Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said the government has given the farmers a written commitment on all the major demands.
He said Punjab would provide the highest sugarcane price in the country and that sugar mills would not be allowed to withhold payments due to farmers.
Rajewal described the agreement as a major victory for the farmers, saying that all their demands had been accepted in writing.
Farmers call off protest
With the agreement formally accepted by the farmer organisations, the seven-day protest outside Chandigarh is expected to end.
The farmers' leaders said the written commitments were important because they provided clarity on the government's decisions and would form the basis for further action.
Rajewal told the farmers that they had achieved a major victory and asked those returning home to remain peaceful and responsible.
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- PTC NEWS
