Farm debt waiver soon, says Amarinder

Chandigarh, June 16 (IANS) The Punjab government will soon announce its decision on farm debt waiver based on the recommendations of the T. Haq Expert Committee, which is scheduled to submit its report shortly, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said on Friday.

Addressing the assembly on the third day of the budget session, Amarinder Singh reiterated his government's commitment to fulfilling all poll manifesto promises, including loan waiver and "Kurki" (auction) abolition for the debt-ridden farmers of the state.

Lashing out at the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Chief Minister termed the disruption of assembly proceedings by both parties "as extremely sad and unfortunate" and added that "the opposition is resorting to obstructionist behaviour to prevent the conduct of any important business and to hog the limelight".

Expressing his displeasure at the disruption of the assembly proceedings, Amarinder Singh said that in his long political career, he had never witnessed anything like this.

"The prestige of the office of the Speaker had never before been lowered like this by throwing paper missiles at him inside the House," he added.

Amarinder Singh said that his government was committed to bring a debt waiver for farmers, but added that he would not succumb to pressure tactics of the opposition.

Daring the Akalis to come and debate in the House, Amarinder Singh said the opposition knew that the government was bringing the 'Kurki' abolition bill in the House, and they were creating a ruckus in order to claim credit for it.

He questioned the Akali Dal leaders as to where they were during the 10-year-long Akali Dal rule in Punjab. "The Akalis were sleeping all these years and have now suddenly become custodians of the farmers' interest and welfare," he added.