By Susheel Singh Charak
SRINAGAR – A delegation of senior BJP leaders today met Union Minister for Agriculture, Farmers Welfare, and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in Srinagar to press for the inclusion of Displaced Persons (DPs) of the 1965 and 1971 wars and West Pakistan refugees in Central Government agricultural welfare schemes.
The delegation included Dr. Ashok Koul (BJP General Secretary – Organisation), Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal (BJP General Secretary and MLA, Ramgarh), Satish Sharma (MLA, Billawar), Surinder Bhagat (MLA, Marh), and Advocate Salman (District President, BJP Srinagar).
The leaders submitted a memorandum highlighting the long-pending issues of border-area farmers from Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Akhnoor, and other regions. Despite being legal allottees of agricultural land since their displacement, these families have reportedly been denied access to major central schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and other subsidy-linked programs.
Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal urged the Union Minister to ensure that these genuine cultivators are officially recognised as farmers and extended all applicable benefits under various welfare schemes launched by the Modi Government. Echoing the appeal, Ashok Koul and Surinder Bhagat emphasised the need for justice and timely support for these excluded families.
Responding to the concerns, Shivraj Singh Chouhan assured the delegation that the matter is being taken seriously. He confirmed that the Union Ministry has already requested the Jammu & Kashmir UT administration to submit a detailed report identifying such allottees. Once verified, the necessary documentation will be facilitated, enabling the inclusion of eligible families under all relevant centrally-sponsored agricultural schemes.
He further assured the delegation that he would personally raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite resolution and ensure that the long-overdue benefits reach the displaced and refugee farmers without further delay.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the Minister for his patient hearing, assurance, and commitment to the welfare of displaced persons and border farmers in Jammu & Kashmir.
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