Farmers Movement Archive

Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi meets PM Narendra Modi, urges him to resume talks with farmers

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured him to look into his appeal for early paddy procurement in the wake of Centre’s decision to defer it till October 10. Channi was talking to media after meeting the Prime Minister at his official residence in New Delhi in the evening. He met PM Modi for the first time after taking oath as the Punjab CM earlier this month Calling his visit a courtesy call, Channi said it was the duty of any chief minister when he takes over to call on the Prime Minister. He said the overall outcome of the meeting was quite positive as it was held in a congenial atmosphere. He said he had apprised Modi about the preparedness of paddy procurement across the state, which was to commence from October 1 and now has been delayed due to the directive of ministry of consumer affairs, food and public distribution. Channi added that the Prime Minister informed him that he would soon get this issue addressed in consultation with the ministry of food on top priority. Referring to the Kartarpur corridor, which was closed due to a surge in Covid-19 cases during the past several months, Channi asked Modi to immediately reopen it as there is now considerable improvement in the pandemic situation. He said this step would go a long way in enabling the devotees to pay their obeisance at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur. Channi also impressed upon the Prime Minister to immediately find a permanent solution to the farmers’ demands on priority as it has led to overall economic slowdown in the state which is predominantly an agrarian economy. He emphasised on the need to resume the process of dialogue with the farmers immediately to repeal the three contentious central farm laws and sought the Prime Minister’s personal intervention in this regard. Seeking Centre’s support and cooperation to encourage organic farming, the chief minister also impressed upon Modi to help the state in promoting this eco-friendly farming in a big way to boost its economy.

The Times of India

2021-10-02

Chandigarh