Two important decisions related to farmers were taken in the Union Cabinet meeting held on New Year under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The very next day, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accusing the Delhi government of indifference towards farmers.
In the letter, Shivraj took a tough stance on the policies and decisions of the Delhi government and alleged that the Centre’s farmer-friendly schemes have been stopped from being implemented in Delhi, due to which farmers are being deprived of their rights and benefits of the schemes.
Shivraj’s letter: Serious allegations against Delhi government
Shivraj wrote in his letter:
- “I am writing this letter with great sadness that your government never took the right decisions in the interest of the farmers of Delhi.”
- “The Centre’s farmer-friendly schemes have also been stopped from being implemented in Delhi.”
- “Today the farmers of Delhi are troubled and worried. “They are not getting the benefits of the Centre’s welfare schemes.”
He also said that earlier also he had written a letter regarding the problems of the farmers of Delhi, but no solution was found.
“Delhi government cheated the farmers”
The Union Minister alleged that the AAP government in Delhi has only cheated the farmers in the last 10 years.
- Registration problem of agricultural equipment:
- In Delhi, farmers’ equipment like tractors and harvesters are being registered in the commercial vehicle category.
- Due to this, farmers have to buy agricultural equipment at expensive prices.
- Attack on free electricity scheme:
- “AAP talks about free electricity, but electricity rates for farmers in Delhi are very high.”
- Farmers are being charged electricity at commercial rates for irrigation and other agricultural purposes.
- “Power connections to irrigation equipment have been cut in villages along the Yamuna, due to which farmers’ crops are drying up and their livelihoods are in danger.”
Problems of Delhi farmers: Shivraj’s claim
- Higher electricity rates:
- Farmers are being charged expensive electricity charges for irrigation.
- Registration Problems:
- Additional expenses incurred by putting equipment like tractors and harvesters in the commercial category.
- No benefits of the schemes:
- Many farmer friendly schemes of the Center were not implemented in Delhi.
Direct blame on Delhi government
Shivraj wrote that the problems of farmers are not being paid attention to in Delhi.
- “Your government has no sympathy for the farmers.”
- “Your government has failed to provide affordable electricity and agricultural resources.”
- “Farmers in Delhi complain that their crops are drying up, but there has been no improvement in the policies of the state government.”
Shivraj’s suggestion: Solve the problems of farmers
The Union Minister urged the Delhi Government to solve the problems of farmers on priority basis.
- Permission should be given to implement the schemes of the Centre.
- Registration of agricultural equipment and electricity rates should be made farmer friendly.
