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126
ABSTRACTS OF SIKH STUDIES : APRIL-JUNE 2005 / 537 NS
panchayats. Let them submit the information to the state government
within one month. This information should then be verified by the
Revenue Department. The Revenue Department or PAU, or a
professional agency should be entrusted with the job of conducting
a survey to determine the exact position on land holdings, rural
income and extent of indebtedness.
Meanwhile, I we hope you will pay earnest attention to a
suggestion that, as is done in Himachal Pradesh and some other
states, Punjab restricts sale of agriculture land exclusively to bona
fide agriculturalists of the state and agricultural land be protected
against alienation.
Credible agencies estimate current rural indebtedness in Punjab
at Rs 25,000 to 30,000 crore (2002-03). Farmers are going in loss
year after year and have no income with which to repay debts. The
situation is so grave that it requires total waiver of repayment of
institutional loans. The state government must establish debt
conciliation boards at sub-divisional level to examine legality of
non-institutional debts and settle dues as was done by the Punjab
Government in the 1930’s. Enforce the principle of dam-dopat and
the law regarding presentation of accurate semi-annual accounts
to the debtor.
Inderjit Singh Jaijee, Convenor
Movement Against State Repression
l501, Sector 36-D , Chandigarh
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Letters To Editor
ALL FOR IT
Dear Editor,
We are very pleased to learn about your decision to proceed
to form an Organisation representing the Sikhs of the globe. Your
phamphlet International Sikh Confederation (Sikh Apex Body) its need
and proposed Constitution provides very well thought out proposal
for this organization. Sikh Professional Association of Canada
will circulate this document among its members and also pass on