(a) whether farmers are facing difficulties in cultivating their lands on the Indo-Pak borders;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) the steps taken by the Government for mitigating the problems of people living in international border areas of the country particularly in Punjab;
(d) whether the Government propose to provide compensation for the loss suffered by such farmers; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (CH.VIDYASAGAR RAO)
(a)&(b) : Government is aware of the problems faced by the Punjab farmers who have their lands beyond the border fencing on the Indo-Pak border. These difficulties include restriction on sowing of tall crops like Sugarcane, Bazra, Maize etc., restriction on timings of opening and closing of security gates etc.
(c): There are standing instructions to the BSF to ensure that gates in the border fencing are opened twice at sun-rise and at sun-set to allow the farmers as much time as possible for attending to their cultivation. BSF authorities also hold meetings with the representatives of farmers and the civil administration with a view to minimise the farmers` hardships on account of security fencing.
(d)&(e): The planning Commission, Government of India, had released a special grant of approximately Rs.7.00 crores to the State Government of Punjab during 1999-2000 for paying compensation to the farmers having their lands beyond the border fencing in order to mutigate their difficulties.