Tarn Taran – Brahmpura, Vice President of the Shiromani Akali Dal, Chairman of the Punjab Rural Development Society, and former MLA from Khadoor Sahib constituency, has again forcefully addressed the issue of inadequate compensation provided to farmers of Jhander Mahapurkhan village whose land has been acquired for the Bharatmala Project, specifically for the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway. This issue was brought to light during a meeting today with a delegation of affected farmers who sought Brahmpura’s assistance regarding their plight and the perceived injustice they are facing from the government.
Highlighting the circumstances, Brahmpura emphasized that it is regrettable that farmers in Jhander Mahapurkhan have been compensated significantly less than those in neighboring villages. While farmers from other areas received compensation ranging from ₹68 lakh per acre to ₹1 crore 65 lakh per acre for their land, the farmers of Jhander Mahapurkhan have been offered a mere ₹38 lakh per acre, which is far below a fair value considering the commercial significance of the land, evidenced by the presence of government tubewells in the area.
Brahmpura noted that he had previously written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, urging the government to rectify this discriminatory compensation practice and ensure that all affected villages, particularly Jhander Mahapurkhan, receive just compensation. Additionally, he called for employment opportunities for one member of each affected farmer’s family, acknowledging the central role of agriculture in their livelihoods. Despite previous outreach, Brahmpura expressed disappointment over the lack of tangible action from the government to address these concerns.
Today, Brahmpura has sent a renewed letter to Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, seeking crucial attention to this pressing issue and hoping for a favorable response to the farmers’ legitimate demands. He also appealed to Punjab’s Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundia to take immediate action in engaging with the Central Government to advocate for appropriate compensation for the Khadoor Sahib constituency farmers, fulfilling his role as a representative of their needs.
“We are not against development, but development should not come at the cost of uprooting farmers,” emphasized Brahmpura. He underscored the moral obligation of the government to ensure the welfare of farmers and the necessity for them to receive fair compensation amid development projects. Brahmpura called for compensation rates to be at least six times the market value for the acquired land, ensuring justice for the affected farmers in Jhander Mahapurkhan, as well as in other impacted villages, including Dhunda, Khakh, Dinewal, Jahangeer, and Khawaspur.
Brahmpura warned that if the government fails to resolve this matter promptly and deliver justice to the farmers, the Shiromani Akali Dal will be forced to take a stand through agitation, placing the responsibility squarely on the government. He reiterated his commitment to advocating for the rights of the people at all levels.
Accompanying him during this important discussion were notable supporters including Sukhdev Singh Sukh Chutala, Balkar Singh Sheron, Mandeep Singh Sheron, and Harpreet Singh (Smart City), who collectively pledged their support for the affected farmers.