In a relief to farmers in the city hit by unseasonal rains and hailstorm, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 per hectare of damaged crops and said his Government will stand firmly behind the peasants.

Addressing a rally at Mundka in West Delhi, Kejriwal said it was the “highest-ever” compensation given to farmers by any state government and asked why can’t governments in other States, where farmers are committing suicide, do the same.

On AAP’s internal rift, the Chief Minister said “conspiracies” are being hatched to “defame” him but added these forces will not succeed as “God is with us”.

Announcing the compensation, the Delhi Chief Minister said his government will provide Rs 50,000 per hectare or Rs 20,000 per acre of damaged crops.

“I am not doing any favour to you. This is your money and it is going back to you. Earlier the money was being stolen. Now the money is being put to right use. I am told that this is the highest compensation announced by any state government.

“With this announcement, it is important to send a message to other state governments where farmers are committing suicide. If this can happen in Delhi, then why can’t it happen in Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat?” Kejriwal said.

A number of AAP MLAs were also present in the meeting.

Kejriwal is addressing a similar rally tomorrow at Karawal Nagar where he is expected to make a significant announcement for unauthorised colonies.

“The country is watching the good work done by the government. Congress and BJP could not slash power tariff. We could do it as our intention is very pure. We have reduced the electricity tariff and made water free. We have started a helpline for corruption.

“But the way we are working, foundation of various forces have been shaken. Conspiracies are being hatched to defame us and attempts are being made so that we fail. But God is with us. The TV channels are maligning our image. The media left no stone unturned to esnure our defeat. But the media is with them while people are with us,” he said.

“Farmers and soldiers are crucial to the country. Without soldiers guarding our border, we cannot lead a peaceful and happy life. Without farmers, we won’t be able to produce food.

This is why our government’s priority is to take care of both.

“We had announced compensation of Rs 1 crore in the past to those from the armed forces and police who have laid down their lives while discharging their duty,” Kejriwal said.

Earlier, the chief minister conducted a field visit of many villages in Narela, Bawana and Mundka constituencies to take stock of farmers’ condition. He said the compensation amount was agreed upon following a survey conducted by officials.

“If there are any objections in the compensation offered by the state government, the village panchayat, officials and the local MLA will sit and sort the issue out. Whatever the panchayat decides will be acceptable to the government,” Kejriwal said.

He also announced the government’s plan to provide subsidy to farmers on the purchase of seeds and fertilizers and said the administration is working on the issue. During his visit, Kejriwal said farmers also raised the issue of benefit of cheap electricity extended to their counterparts in other states, to which he assured them to look into the matter.

Kejriwal said that during his visit to the villages, farmers complained about not getting tubewell connections for irrigation of their fields. “I have spoke to the CEO of the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) and have directed to clear the pending applications at the earliest,” the chief minister said.

“I have not forgotten the promises made during the polls and I remember them all,” Kejriwal said, referring to the land reforms issues, Lal Dora and upgrading the infrastructure in rural Delhi.

“An announcement on extending the Lal Dora area will be made soon,” he said.

The AAP chief also evoked the name of former Delhi chief Minister Sahib Singh Varma in his rally “who was considered to be very popular among the farmers” and the compensation announcement will “soothe the soul of late Sahib Singhji wherever he is.”

“Today we have gathered at the samadhi of Sahib Singh Vermaji to discuss grave issues related to farmers. Sahib Singh Vermaji was a very big leader of farmers in Delhi.”

“Whichever party he belonged to but all the farmers of Delhi highly respected him and whenever the farmers faced any crisis, he forcefully raised those issues. It’s remarkable that we have assembled to discuss farmers issues at his Samdahi,” Kejriwal said

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW