Farmers Movement Archive

In Jind, 14 arhtiyas fined for defying strike call against Direct Benefit Transfer

Tribune News ServiceHisar, April 9The Katcha Arhtiyas Sangh in Jind’s Safidon town has imposed a fine of Rs 21,000 each on 14 arhtiyas for having defied the strike call in view of the Centre’s decision to credit the payment against the produce directly in the bank accounts of farmers.The commission agents in the state went on strike yesterday on the call of the Anaj Mandi Arhtiyas’ Association. In the Safidon grain market, however, 14 arhtiyas participated in the online bidding process for procurement.Pale Ram Rathi, Arhtiyas’ leaderSome refuse to pay upTwo arhtiyas deposited the fine on Friday, while some others are likely to pay it in a couple of days. But there are some who have refused to pay the fine. We will take a decision on them in a meeting.Katcha Arhtiyas Sangh chief Pale Ram Rathi said, “All arhtiyas expressed their resentment over the decision of the 14 arhtiyas. We wanted that the bidding by the 14 arhtiyas must be cancellation, but market committee officials said it was impossible as the process had been completed online.”Subsequently, members of the sangh held a meeting and decided to impose a fine of Rs 21,000 on each of the 14 commission agents for not adhering to the strike call.“Two of the arhtiyas deposited the fine today, while some others are likely to pay it in a couple of days. But there are some who have refused to pay the fine. We will take a decision on them in a meeting. The sangh might withhold the supply of gunny bags to arhtiyas who will not pay up,” Rathi added.The association has been opposing the Direct Benefit Transfer mode of payment to farmers against the procurement of rabi crops and demanded that it should be made optional.Another death at TikriJhajjar: A 55-year-old farmer from Punjab died, reportedly of cardiac arrest, at the Tikri border on Friday. The deceased was identified as Jaspal Singh of Joganand village in Bathinda district. Dr Sanjay Dahiya, Civil Surgeon, said the exact cause of death would be ascertained after the autopsy, he added. tns

The Tribune

2021-04-10