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Farmers demand higher compensation

Chandigarh: Farmers along the Pakistan border near Wagah whose land is being acquired by the Punjab Government for setting up an integrated check post, are now demanding higher compensation than that notified.

More than 122 acres of land belonging to 30 families had been notified by the Punjab Government for acquisition.

The Kisan Ujara Roko Action Committee, which has been formed by the farmers, said the government had proposed a compensation of Rs 31 lakh per acre for category A land (facing the main road) and Rs 16 lakh and Rs 14 lakh for B and C category (situated behind category A land), respectively.

“When the entire land is fertile and yields bumper crop, why is the Government categorising it according to its commercial utility?” committee members Amandeep Singh and Sarbjit Singh asked on Thursday.

The committee also alleged that the government has not moved ahead in following up the notification, leaving farmers in a fix whether to till their land for next crop or not.

Committee president Rajinder Singh said, “We have reluctantly sown paddy crop this time but are not sure if we would be able to reap the harvest as confusion prevails over the fate of our land.”

The district administration claimed the farmers had consented to the rates. Deputy Commissioner K.S. Pannu said they had agreed in writing.

“Their demand is unreasonable as the price being paid is sufficient. The farmers’ adamant attitude could further delay the project as some changes could be effected in the location of ICP,” he said. -- PTI

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