CHANDIGARH: Farmers from across Punjab under the banner of the Sanyukt Kissan Morcha (SKM) will march to Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh on May 15, pressing for a series of long-pending demands.
These include restoration of loan limits cancelled by cooperative societies, stopping the centralisation of the cooperative department by the central government, amendments to the Bhakra Beas Management Board rules along with issuance of an official notification, and resolution of the river water dispute on the basis of the riparian basin principle.
They have also demanded that the Punjab Government ensure eight hours of uninterrupted power supply along with canal water during the paddy season.
Bhartiya Kissan Union (Lakhowal) president Harinder Singh Lakhowal said the rally will be held at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nature Park opposite YPS School in Mohali, from where farmers will march towards Raj Bhawan in Chandigarh.
"All governments till now have ignored Punjab’s rights and progress. The state has always faced injustice, which continues even today,” said Lakhowal.
He added that the protest would remain peaceful but firm. "The farmers cannot wait any longer. The government must act to safeguard its interests,” he said, adding that the demands also include the complete transfer of Panjab University and Chandigarh to the state government.
He further called for strict action to stop industrial waste and sewage from polluting rivers, canals and lakes, and said the provisions of the Punjab Reorganisation Act should be repealed, along with the Dam Safety Act and the Water Amendment Act 2024.
"Along with these, several other demands related to Punjab will also be raised during the Chandigarh march on May 15, in which thousands of farmers from across Punjab are expected to participate,’’ he said.
Parminder Singh Palmajra and Parshotam Singh Gill highlighted the need to strengthen cooperative banks to ensure timely crop loans for farmers.
They said that government subsidies and debt-relief schemes must reach cultivators without delay, as many are struggling under debt burdens. They noted that cooperative institutions play a crucial role in rural credit, but farmers often face difficulties in accessing funds.
"The interference of the central government in the cooperative sector should be stopped immediately. NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) has reduced agricultural loans, and in 2026, a cut of Rs 2,400 crore was made to the loans available to farmers. Due to this decision, cooperative banks and societies have started avoiding increasing the loan limits for agricultural credit,’’ they alleged.
Harminder Singh Khaira and Nichhattar Singh Baidwan said the paddy season is approaching and urged the Punjab Government and Powercom to immediately repair loose wires, jumpers and overloaded transformers.
They further demanded that before paddy transplantation, canals, watercourses and drainage channels be cleaned to ensure farmers do not face difficulties during the season.