Punjab local bodies minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Wednesday paid Rs 10 lakh from his own pocket to farmers from four villages in Rajasansi assembly whose wheat crop was gutted in fire in April.
The crop over 117 acres at Othian, Jausan, Mohar and Dhariwal of Rajasansi was destroyed in a fire due to a short-circuit in the power line, affecting more than 50 farmers.
Sidhu had then promised to compensate these farmers from his pocket. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited will pay Rs 8,000 per acre compensation to these farmers.
Sidhu also announced to pay Rs 7 lakh compensation to other affected farmers from nearby villages in Rajasansi. These farmers had lost their wheat crop over 85 acres of land.
“When I became MP, I won by 16,000 votes in Rajasansi. I am grateful to them for their immense love,” the minister said.
Administration officials said the minister has compensated a total of 141 beneficiaries.
When asked about the delay in delivering his promise and if it was a political stunt ahead of the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha bypoll, he said, “I was waiting for the government to release the compensation first. As these things are bound to take time, I decided to give my share. It is not a political stunt but I did it for my peace of mind.”
{{/usCountry}}When asked about the delay in delivering his promise and if it was a political stunt ahead of the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha bypoll, he said, “I was waiting for the government to release the compensation first. As these things are bound to take time, I decided to give my share. It is not a political stunt but I did it for my peace of mind.”
{{/usCountry}}Sukhdev Singh, a beneficiary farmer from Jausan village, said, “I am thankful to Sidhu for his kind gesture. Though there had been a delay as I had to avail of a loan for next crop, I am happy that he helped us.”