AAP's Punjab farmer manifesto promises waiving off farmers' debt, making up crop loss

Moga (Punjab): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday released the party's 31-point farmers' manifesto in Moga, Punjab, promising several benefits.

At a rally attended by thousands in Bagah Purana area, Kejriwal promised to implement the 'Sir Chotu Ram Act' in the state and put an end to farmer suicides by December 2018.

Besides Kejriwal, MPs Bhagwant Mann and Sadhu Singh, state convener Gurpreet Ghuggi and AAP leader Sanjay Singh, among senior leaders, were present at the event.

Some of the important points of the manifesto are:-

• Re-enactment of Sir Chhotu Ram Act of 1934 (Moneylenders' debt)

• Loan "Waive Off Plan" for bank debts

• Making up crop loss

• Proper crop price

• Return of SYL Land

• Instant crop payment

• 12-hour power for farmers

• Shagan at birth and weddings

• Free medical facilities

• Education loans for children

• Jail for corrupt Akali ministers

• Canal water

• Diversification push

• Government warehouses

• Agri export

• Famer problem and awareness

• Revival of sugarcane

• Boosting cooperative movement

• Farmer litigation

• Crackdown on spurious products

• Farmers suicides

• Private push to markets

• Best price for farmers

• Realistic pension

• Atta dal for more

• Punjab will be declared a dairy state

• Farm labs: To ensure best productivity, testing facilities will be provided to farmers

• Border areas

• Wild animal menace

• Loans to landless

• Stray cattle shelters

The AAP national convener also announced to raise the old age pension from Rs.500 to Rs.2000 per month and payment of Rs.20000 per acre compensation for the damage of crops due to drought, floods, pest attack and unseasonal rains.