PA panel raises alarm over Kisan Card fund delays

LAHORE – Pun­jab Assembly’s Standing Com­mittee on Agriculture which met here on Wednesday called for timely resolution of farmers’ complaints regarding the delays in the release of funds under the Kisan Card programme and difficulties faced by them in ac­cessing banking services. MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah chaired the meeting which also discussed problems faced by farmers in obtaining guidance and cus­tomer support at Bank of Punjab branches, as well as difficulties in getting mortgaged property released after repayment of loans. MPA Amjad Ali Javed highlighted the problems farm­ers faced in securing the release of mortgaged property after set­tling their loans and stressed the need to address issues relating to the Kisan Card programme. He asserted that timely provi­sion of better facilities to farmers was essential for strengthening the agricultural sector. Commit­tee member Rana Muhammad Arshad called for an effective mechanism to address farmers’ complaints and ensure timely resolution of their problems. He also stressed better coordina­tion between relevant depart­ments and financial institutions to facilitate farmers. Mr Shah said bank staff needed improved training and that an accessible complaints mechanism should be established for farmers. The committee also discussed de­lays by sugar mills in paying outstanding dues to sugarcane growers. The chair stressed the need to ensure that growers received payments within the prescribed time, saying farm­ers’ rights must be protected and they should be paid fairly for their labour. Punjab Assem­bly officials and representatives of relevant government depart­ments attended the meeting.

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