Punjab Arhtiya Association meets CM Nayab Singh Saini over ongoing strike, addressing grievances affecting mandis, farmers, and commission agents’ livelihoods.
In a significant political development amidst the escalating agricultural crisis in the region, a high-level delegation of the Punjab Arhtiya Association met with Haryana Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini today. The meeting was centered around the critical grievances and operational hurdles currently faced by commission agents (Arhtiyas) in Punjab, which have led to a widespread state-wide strike.
Escalating Punjab Arhtiya Strike Impacts Livelihoods
The Punjab Arhtiya Association briefed the Chief Minister on the dire situation in Punjab’s grain markets (mandis). Due to the ongoing Punjab Arhtiya strike, business activities across the state have come to a grinding halt. This disruption is not only affecting the smooth procurement of crops but is also threatening the livelihoods of millions of families who depend on the mandi ecosystem, including laborers, transporters, and small traders.
The delegation highlighted that the strike is a result of long-pending demands, including the restoration of the 2.5% commission rate and better logistical support for crop lifting.
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CM Nayab Singh Saini Expresses Concern Over Punjab Government’s Inaction
During the interaction, Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini expressed deep concern over the stalemate. He noted that the Punjab Arhtiya Association is forced to seek intervention because the current Punjab government has failed to address their legitimate concerns.
“It is distressing to see that while the backbone of the farming economy—the Arhtiyas—are on the streets, the state government in Punjab is doing nothing toward a resolution,” CM Saini stated.
He further emphasized that the apathy of the local administration is exacerbating the Punjab Arhtiya strike, leading to an economic vacuum that could have long-term repercussions for the region’s agricultural stability.
Key Issues Raised by the Punjab Arhtiya Association
The delegation submitted a memorandum to the CM, detailing several core issues:
Commission Disparity: The demand for a 2.5% commission, similar to the structure implemented in Haryana.
Livelihood Crisis: The impact of the Punjab Arhtiya strike on nearly 45,000 commission agents and their workers.
Procurement Delays: The fear of massive losses for farmers as the wheat procurement season begins without a functional mandi system.
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