Punjab govt demands relief package from Centre

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab government has demanded interim relief package worth Rs 800 crore from the central government as the state is on the brink of witnessing drought-like situation due to poor monsoon.

Punjab demanded 1000-MW extra power allocation since the state spent additional money for buying power for the agriculture sector apart from extra cost of diesel borne by farmers for agriculture purpose in the absence of weak monsoon rains.

The state government approached Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar and Union Power Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde for helping the farmers immediately so that they are able to meet their targets in regard to food security front.

Moreover, 70% deficient rains in June and July in Punjab is causing worry for Punjab Govt since the farmers have been contributing over 50% paddy to Central pool.

Powercom, the power utility of Punjab, has been taking initiatives to buy power for agriculture sector. Reports suggest that Powercom bought power of Rs 6556 crore and farmers witnessed extra cost on diesel.