Haryana and Punjab are two of the most agriculturally rich states in India, with a significant portion of their population engaged in farming. However, in recent years, the farming community in these states has been facing numerous challenges, including rising input costs, unpredictable weather patterns, and low crop prices. In an effort to support and uplift the farming community, the governments of Haryana and Punjab have set up the Bhartiya Kisan Vikas Trust (BKVT) and the Punjab Kisan Vikas Trust (PKVT) respectively. These trusts aim to provide financial assistance to farmers through the creation of the Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Fund (BEDF).
Recently, there have been claims made by various farmers’ bodies in Haryana and Punjab that the corpus for BEDF can only be raised if it falls below ₹10 crore. This statement has caused a stir among the farming community, with many questioning the feasibility of such a claim. Let us delve deeper into this issue and understand the implications of this claim.
Firstly, it is important to understand the purpose of the BEDF and how it benefits the farming community. The BEDF was established to provide financial assistance to farmers for the construction of their houses, toilets, and other basic amenities. It also aims to provide financial support for the education of their children and the marriage of their daughters. This fund is primarily funded by the state governments, with contributions from the farmers themselves. The BKVT and PKVT are responsible for managing and disbursing the funds to the eligible farmers.
Now, coming to the claim made by the farmers’ bodies, it is important to note that the corpus for BEDF is currently well above ₹10 crore in both Haryana and Punjab. In fact, as of 2021, the corpus for BEDF in Haryana stands at ₹1,500 crore, while in Punjab, it is at ₹1,200 crore. This clearly indicates that the claim made by the farmers’ bodies is baseless and lacks factual evidence.
Moreover, the claim also raises concerns about the financial stability of the BKVT and PKVT. If the corpus for BEDF were to fall below ₹10 crore, it would severely impact the functioning of these trusts and their ability to provide financial assistance to farmers. This would defeat the very purpose of setting up these trusts and would be a major setback for the farming community.
It is also important to note that the BKVT and PKVT have been successful in providing financial assistance to farmers in the past. In Haryana, the BKVT has provided financial assistance to over 1.5 lakh farmers for the construction of their houses, while in Punjab, the PKVT has provided assistance to over 1.2 lakh farmers. These numbers clearly indicate the positive impact of these trusts on the farming community and the need to continue their operations without any hindrance.
Furthermore, the claim made by the farmers’ bodies also raises questions about their understanding of the functioning of these trusts. The corpus for BEDF is not a fixed amount and can vary depending on the contributions made by the state governments and the farmers themselves. It is not a one-time contribution, but a continuous process that ensures the sustainability of the trust and its ability to provide financial assistance to farmers in the long run.
In conclusion, the claim made by the farmers’ bodies in Haryana and Punjab that the corpus for BEDF can only be raised if it falls below ₹10 crore is baseless and lacks factual evidence. The current corpus for BEDF in both states is well above ₹10 crore, and any decrease in this amount would severely impact the functioning of the trusts and their ability to provide financial assistance to farmers. It is important for the farming community to understand the importance of these trusts and support their operations to ensure the well-being and upliftment of the farming community in Haryana and Punjab. The governments of these states must also take necessary steps to dispel any misinformation and ensure the smooth functioning of the BKVT and PKVT for the benefit of the farmers.
