The Punjab Assembly’s Budget Session started on Friday with the Governor’s address, which was marked by protests from Congress MLAs. Wearing black armbands, the MLAs protested against the state government’s “ill-treatment of farmers” and its handling of a police incident involving a colonel in Patiala. They shouted slogans and walked out of the Assembly.
Governor Gulab Chand Kataria announced that the Punjab government has shared a draft agriculture policy with stakeholders, including farmers and labor unions. This policy, created by an 11-member committee, aims to promote sustainable agriculture, protect natural resources, and increase farmers’ income. He also stated that farmers will receive over eight hours of power supply during the paddy season.
In addition, the government has allocated Rs 2.7 crores to compensate for GST on purchases at the Golden Temple and Durgiana Mandir. The Governor mentioned a high-powered committee led by Finance Minister Harpal Cheema focused on combating drug issues in the state, emphasizing the destruction of properties belonging to drug smugglers.
The session will continue until March 28, with discussions on the Governor’s address set for March 24, the state budget presentation on March 26, and budget estimates discussion on March 27.
Earlier in the week, police detained several farmer leaders while they were returning from a meeting and evicted farmers from protest sites that had been occupied for over a year, using heavy machinery to dismantle their setups.
Be the first to comment