Jalandhar, 3 October(Wishav Warta): Punjab Government is evading to implement their part of work directed in the order issued by National Green Tribunal (NGT) on December 2015 for prevention of stubble burning in Punjab. Government is only appealing to farmers to follow steps as directed by NGT but they are not ready to do their part of work as directed in the order. They have concluded a wrong meaning of NGT order and they are giving excuse to evade responsibility by saying it is not practicable. In December 2015 responsibility was given to state governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and UT Delhi by NGT to prevent burning of stubble and other crop residue, if still any farmer violates the terms, tribunal directed to impose fine, cancellation of subsidies and other concessions given by government to the farmers. But the clever bureaucrats of Punjab government has put all the burden on farmers by making announcements of punishment to the farmers who will burn stubble but they have backed off from their initial responsibility.
Farmer organisations says this nature of government is against the order of NGT and they have prepared to knock the door of tribunal against government. NGT has directed in it order that state governments to prepare a mechanism and provide machinery and tools or subsidy to the farmers for proper disposal of stubble and crop residue. Tribunal has given the responsibility to government to gather the stubble, loading of it and make productive use of it, even they were directed to locate land in each district. NGT has clearly mentioned that government will provide tool like Happy Seeder free of cost to farmers having land upto 2 acres and Rs 5000 subsidy will be given to landowners of 5 acres. The farmers having land more then 5 acres will get amount of Rs 15000. Advising farmers not to burn stubble and crop residue tribunal directed instructions to punish the violators. Farmer owner of 2 acres land will be fined Rs 2500 for violating the terms, up-to 5 acres will be fined Rs 5000 and above will be finned Rs 15000. Addition to the penalty subsidies given by government will also be canceled. Punjab government has started strict action towards the implementation of NGT directions to farmers but they are evading their primary responsibility given by tribunal.
President of Bharti Kisan Union Balbir Singh Rajewal said government is running from their responsibility which is direct violation of NGT order. Government is ready to impose fine on farmers but it is not ready to help them.
