Prioritising Vote Bank Over Pollution? Punjab Government Goes Slow In Recovering Fines From Farmers For Stubble Burning

Despite levying environmental compensation (EC) of Rs 2.4 crore on farmers statewide for stubble burning, the Punjab government appears to be sluggish in collecting the funds. As of 30 November, only Rs 38.12 lakh or 15.8 per cent of the total penalties have been recouped by the government.

Indian Express reported citing reliable sources that instructions have been given to authorities to proceed cautiously in the recovery of the EC. This was implemented in the current paddy season, which runs from 15 September to 30 November, as indicated in an action taken report from the Punjab Remote Sensing Centre (PRSC).

Indeed, during a Tuesday conference involving ministers and farmer union leaders, it was reportedly confirmed by authorities that the farmers would not face any repercussions in terms of recovery actions.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, the president of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) Sidhupur and convenor of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political), spoke to The Indian Express about the specific discussions they had regarding the hefty penalties being levied on farmers under the EC.

The Tuesday meeting involved the SKM, a non-political entity consisting of 15 farmer unions from Punjab, and 18 farmer unions from North India, all guided by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) of Punjab.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, the convenor of 18 farmer unions in North India, indicated that only a handful of landlords and government workers have paid the fines to avoid repercussions. He pointed out that small-scale farmers haven't contributed even a small amount due to the excessive size of the fines.

"This issue was brought up in the panel committee meeting that took place on Tuesday at Punjab Bhawan, where ministers assured that they won't coerce farmers into paying the EC. However, it remains to be seen whether they will uphold their promise," he said.