CM Assures to Strongly Raise Aarthiyas’ Demands with GoI
Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Reiterating his government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Aarthiyas, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Friday said that the state government will vigorously raise their genuine demands with the Government of India (GoI).
Chairing a meeting with Aarthiyas here today, the Chief Minister emphasized that the state government is fully committed to addressing their legitimate concerns with utmost seriousness. However, he pointed out that most of these demands fall under the purview of the Union Government, which, he alleged, has been giving them a cold shoulder. Despite this, Bhagwant Singh Mann assured that his government will act as the voice of the Aarthiyas and will raise their issues strongly with the Centre.
The Chief Minister stated that the matter of enhancing the commission of Aarthiyas has already been taken up with the Union Government. He criticized the Centre for viewing Aarthiyas as redundant, asserting instead that they play a vital role in procurement operations. Bhagwant Singh Mann praised their contributions, describing Aarthiyas as a crucial pillar in the entire procurement process.
Highlighting their importance, the Chief Minister said that Aarthiyas are the unpaid Chartered Accountants of farmers, maintaining detailed records of crop yields and financial transactions. Recalling his personal experiences with Aarthiyas in his home district of Sangrur, he added that they are an important part of the procurement process. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government procures food grains on behalf of the Union Government, and is committed to ensuring smooth and hassle-free procurement during the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26.
Striking an emotional chord, the Chief Minister spoke about the widespread destruction caused by recent floods. He noted that over 2,300 villages were submerged, affecting more than 2 million people and devastating crops across five lakh acres. Tragically, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that 56 lives were lost, around seven lakh people were rendered homeless, and extensive infrastructure damage was reported.
The Chief Minister said that 3,200 government schools, 19 colleges, 1,400 clinics and hospitals were damaged, along with 8,500 km of roads and 2,500 bridges. According to initial estimates, he said that the damage amounts to approximately ₹13,800 crore, though the actual figure may be even higher. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state is in crisis and, unfortunately, does not expect any financial aid from the Centre.
However, the Chief Minister said that the state has launched Mission Chardikala, reaching out to the Punjabi diaspora worldwide. He revealed that around 1,000 individuals have already pledged their support to this noble cause. Urging Aarthiyas to continue playing their crucial role in ensuring efficient grain procurement in Mandis, the Bhagwant Singh Mann announced several supportive measures.
The Chief Minister said that the state government will enhance the validity of Aarthiya licenses from five to ten years, with new licenses to be issued within 48 hours. Additionally, he said that the government will soon introduce a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme to clear pending arrears, fines, and interest related to non-construction of shops allotted to Aarthiyas when Mandis were originally established. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the state government is committed for the well being of the food growers of the state and no stone will be left unturned for it.