Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday raised a series of key policy, Seed Act, financial, and security-related concerns during his meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, strongly flagging issues that directly impact the state’s farmers, economy, and administrative rights.
Punjab Pushes Back Against Centralisation in Proposed Seed Act
One of the primary concerns highlighted by the Chief Minister was the proposed Seed Act. Mann cautioned against what Punjab perceives as increasing centralisation in agricultural policymaking and urged that the bill should not be tabled in Parliament without the consent of states. He reiterated that agriculture is a state subject and stressed that Punjab’s unique farming structure must be taken into account before introducing any nationwide legislation. According to him, bypassing states in such critical decisions could adversely affect farmers and disrupt existing systems.
₹8,500 Crore RDF Dues Raised, Centre Assures First Installment
The Chief Minister also raised the long-pending issue of the Rural Development Fund (RDF), with dues amounting to nearly ₹8,500 crore. He informed the Union Home Minister that delays in releasing the funds have severely affected rural development projects across Punjab. Sources indicated that Amit Shah assured the state government that the first installment of the pending RDF amount would be released, providing much-needed financial relief.
Concerns of commission agents, commonly known as arhtiyas, were also brought to the Centre’s attention. Mann underlined their crucial role in Punjab’s agricultural procurement system and said unresolved demands related to commissions and operational expenses were creating uncertainty at the grassroots level. He sought a clear and supportive policy framework to ensure the smooth functioning of procurement operations.
Border-Area Farming and Fencing Concerns Take Center Stage
Border-area farming issues formed a significant part of the discussion. Punjab shares a 532-kilometre-long international border with Pakistan, and several farmlands fall beyond the existing security fence. The Chief Minister explained that farmers cultivating land in these areas face daily challenges due to restricted access and security protocols. Responding to the concern, the Union Home Minister indicated that the issue of border fencing would be reviewed and that the possibility of shifting the fence further ahead could be considered after a security assessment. The assurance has raised hope among border farmers who have long demanded relief.
SYL Water Dispute: Punjab Firm on Its Stand
The long-standing Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute was also raised during the meeting. Mann firmly reiterated Punjab’s position that the state does not have any surplus water to share. He emphasized that Punjab itself is facing water stress and cannot afford further diversion of its resources. The issue remains politically and legally sensitive, with Punjab consistently opposing any move to revive the canal.
FCI Appointments and Chandigarh Officer Ratio Discussed
Apart from these, administrative matters were also discussed. The Chief Minister raised concerns related to appointments of General Managers in the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and the officer ratio in Chandigarh, the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. He sought fair representation and balanced administrative arrangements to protect Punjab’s interests.
The meeting underscored Punjab’s continued effort to assert its rights on agriculture, water sharing, financial dues, and border-related challenges. While assurances on RDF payments and a review of border fencing offered some immediate relief, several issues are expected to remain part of ongoing discussions between the state and the Centre in the coming months.