Lending agencies will not be allowed to sell farmers' land: Punjab CM

Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that lending agencies, including banks will not be allowed to sell land of farmers for not repaying the loans.

Making an assurance to this effect on the floor of the House, he said, "the government has decided that it will not allow banks to sell farmers' land for not repaying loans." He said that necessary directions on the issue of pending farm loans have been sent to the banks.

The CM said that the government will enact a new legislation to prohibit 'kurki' (auction) of farmers' land by the lending agencies in case of default.

The Chief Minister was responding to a query raised by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MLA and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia.

Majithia alleged that officials of banks are harassing the farmers for not repaying the loans.

Another SAD MLA N K Sharma wanted to know from the government what happened to Congress' pre-poll promise of waiving off farm loans.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira sought subsidy on transportation of potatoes by farmers to different places.

Former Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa (SAD) alleged that the new government has stopped funds for ongoing developmental projects.

Intervening in the matter, cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu lashed out at previous Akalis government alleging that it only sold 'Chitta' (synthetic drug).

"Now you (SAD) are showing concern about farmers, were you sleeping in the past ten years?" he said.

Majithia and Sidhu had heated arguments and exchanged sharp words.

"We are honest and not dacoits like you," Sidhu told the Akali legislators.