Chandigarh, April 10
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has urged the state government to announce a crop insurance scheme for farmers during the special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha scheduled for April 13. Jakhar criticized the government for failing to fulfill its earlier promises and highlighted the farmers’ vulnerability to natural disasters in the absence of such protection.
Jakhar pointed out that farmers in Punjab have suffered significant losses due to recent unseasonal rains and hailstorms. He emphasized that previous incidents, including major floods in 2023 and 2025, had already caused widespread damage. According to Jakhar, many affected farmers have yet to receive compensation as the state lacks a dedicated crop insurance scheme. He recalled that three years ago, the Punjab government had announced plans for an agricultural insurance programme to replace the central government’s Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, but the scheme has not materialized.
“Farmers remain anxious about how their losses will be addressed after each disaster. The government must act now to provide them with security and relief,” Jakhar said. He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to fulfil his commitment and introduce Punjab’s own crop insurance scheme during the upcoming Assembly session. Jakhar also suggested that if the state faces financial constraints, it should immediately implement the central crop insurance programme, which has benefited farmers in other states.
In addition to his call for crop insurance, Jakhar demanded that the Punjab government raise the Dearness Allowance for government employees and pensioners. He stated that Punjab currently offers a lower DA than the central government and neighbouring states, placing additional strain on public sector workers.
Jakhar’s demands come at a time when the Punjab government is already preparing for a special Assembly session to amend legislation on the protection of religious texts. The call for immediate action on crop insurance and employee benefits highlights growing concerns among farmers and public sector workers about economic security and government accountability in the state.
