Border farmers meet MD JPDCL, demand amnesty scheme

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 1: A delegation led by R S Chib, General Secretary Democratic Azad Party along with representatives of farmers from the area along the International Border met the MD of Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Ltd in respect of amnesty scheme introduced by the Government.
Chib appealed the MD that a similar amnesty scheme on the lines of Domestic Power Supply, may be introduced in respect of those farmers having Pump sets for the purpose of irrigation, so that they can clear their outstanding bills.
The delegation impressed upon the Managing Director that this area along the IB (International Border) from Kathua to River Chenab is known for producing good quality of rice but the Canal irrigation system is not very effective and most of the farmers are depending upon the Pump sets for irrigating the land. A large number of Pump set owners are under stress, since their bills for electricity are pending in respect of their pump sets.
It was explained to the MD that the land holdings of farmers are very small and hence their agriculture income is quite less. It was also brought to his notice that, all the farmers residing along the IB(International Border), from Kathua upto River Chenab , have been facing migration problem, since 1947 till date because of unprovoked firing by Pakistan.
The members of the delegation demanded that amnesty scheme may be introduced for these farmers so that they can clear their outstanding electricity bills.
Chib hoped that an early decision will be taken to provide relief to the farmers and they will also be brought under the Amnesty Scheme, like the Domestic Power Connections.
Gurdayal Singh Majotra, Vice President of Jammu Central Zone was also part of the delegation.