In response to concerns over delayed payments, Cooperation, Prisons and Tourism Minister Dr. Arvind Sharma has assured sugarcane farmers that their outstanding dues will be cleared shortly. He urged farmers not to worry, stating that the government is actively working to resolve the issue, reports The Tribune.
Dr. Sharma said that discussions have already taken place with Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi and officials from the Finance Department to ensure that payments are made without further delay. He emphasized that steps would also be taken to avoid such delays in the future.
On Tuesday, the minister personally spoke with Chief Secretary Rastogi to push for faster disbursement of funds. This came after he expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in a meeting with Sugarfed officials.
“The paperwork for the pending payments has been sent to the Finance Department,” said Dr. Sharma. “Sugarfed officials have been told to stay in direct contact with the department to speed up the process, so that the farmers receive their payments as soon as possible.”
Dr. Sharma also highlighted the government’s efforts to encourage farmers to increase sugarcane production, which he said would benefit sugar mills by extending the crushing season.
“The state government is fully dedicated to supporting sugarcane farmers,” he added. “Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has been closely involved in the matter and has made it clear that no farmer should face difficulties. We ask farmers to be patient—their payments will be released soon.”
