Tandon calls for uniform policy on power subsidy

Balramji Dass Tandon, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Wednesday questioned the Punjab government's policy on power subsidy for farmers and sought a uniform policy for all.

Balramji Dass Tandon, a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), on Wednesday questioned the Punjab government's policy on power subsidy for farmers and sought a uniform policy for all.

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Tandon, who was here for a seminar organised by the Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal, said on the one hand the state government was levying taxes on traders and other sections of society, but on the other farmers were getting electricity subsidy.

"There is nothing wrong in providing such subsidy to poor farmers, but I fail to understand why the government is adopting the same policy towards rich landlords," said Tandon.

Tandon said only farmers with land holdings below 5 acres should be extended power subsidy.

"An expert committee should be formed so that the government can find out who should get subsidy and who should not," Tandon said.

Avinash Rai Khanna, a BJP MP, said even when the government wanted a policy to help all, the "bureaucracy creates hurdles and foil all plans." Khanna assured that all genuine demands of traders would be met.

Members of the Beopar Mandal said a large number of traders were shifting from Punjab to other states due to the heavy taxes levied on them.

Rajinder Bhandari, former state BJP president, and Parveen Bansal, district party president, were also present during the seminar.