Chandigarh, January 23, 2023 (Yes Punjab News)
Three Punjab Congress leaders Monday met Punjab Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan and handed over a letter requesting to introduce a Private Member’s Bill in Punjab Vidhan Sabha to restrict/bar non-agriculturist and non-bonafide Punjabis from buying agricultural land in the State.
Punjab LoP Partap Singh Bajwa, All India Congress President and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira and former Minister Sukhbinder Singh Sukh Sarkaria met the Speaker and handed over the letter which is being reproduced below.
THE LETTER
To,
S. Kultar Singh Sandhwan,
Hon’ble Speaker,
Punjab Vidhan Sabha,
Chandigarh
Subject: Request to introduce a Private Member’s Bill in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha to restrict/bar non-agriculturist and non-Bonafide Punjabis, from buying agriculture land in Punjab, as provided for in section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh, Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972.
Sir,
As you are aware, there has been massive population migration of Punjabis to different parts of the world in search of better livelihood during the last few decades.
As per rough estimates approximately one-sixth of Punjab’s total population of 2.75 Crore that is to say almost 50 lac of our people have migrated abroad.
Unfortunately, this trend has further escalated during the last few years. Because of this trend of such massive migration, Punjab has not only lost its best educated, trained and skilled human resource, but it has also shattered the economy of our state.
Needless to mention, a youth who migrates to countries such as Canada, USA, UK, Australia etc. on the basis of study visa, work permit or permanent residence basis takes along approximately Rs. 20 lakhs to 25 lakhs and thereafter such remittances continue to flow out of Punjab. As a result the economy of Punjab which already stands shattered due to a colossal debt of Rs. 2.75 crores is further being eroded drastically, particularly in the rural parts of Punjab. Our agriculture land prices which were around 40-50 lakhs per acre a decade ago have dropped to less than half i.e., 15-20 lakhs per acre now.
Apart from the negative financial impact on Punjab, due to the shift of population at such large scale, the demographic situation has also started to change drastically. The identity of Punjabis is under a severe threat as lakhs and lakhs of non-Punjabis have started to reside permanently in our state. Apart from above mentioned demographic threat the exodus of our youth to other countries has led to sharp drop of Punjabi’s in central services and armed forces which is a matter of grave concern too.
We are not against non-Punjabis coming into our state for employment opportunities but yes, we have an issue with them settling permanently in Punjab, becoming owners of agriculture land, becoming permanent voters etc., as it endangers our distinct identity.
I can say with authority that this trend if not nipped in the bud immediately, Punjabis particularly the Sikhs will be in a minority in their own motherland in the next 20-25 years.
It was precisely because of this reason that states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan etc. in order to protect their identity and existence, passed laws in their respective states to bar outsiders from buying agriculture land thus becoming permanent residents of their states.
In this context, I am citing the above stated section 118 of the Himachal Pradesh Tenancy Act, 1972 to press my point of view to restrict/bar all non-Punjabis from purchasing agriculture land in Punjab. There are provisions in accordance with the said act of Himachal Pradesh to set up industry or even buy agriculture land after following the due process of law. Therefore, I request that the private members bill submitted by me be tabled in the next session of Vidhan Sabha to enact a similar law like Himachal Pradesh, to protect our identity and existence and that of our future generations.
Thanking you,
With regards,
Sukhpal Singh Khaira
MLA Bholath,
Chairman, All India Kissan Congress,
Former Leader of Opposition
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