MLA Sandeep Jakhar has raised doubts over the AAP-led government’s claim that Punjab Canal and Drainage Bill-2023 will regulate and manage canals and drainage in the right prospects.

Speaking to the media at Subhash Nagar residence here, he said that the bill was passed in the recent Vidhan Sabha session without proper debate. He plans to call a meeting of all stakeholders in Abohar to discuss in detail all the aspects of the bill.

He said that farmers in Abohar sub division had followed the crop diversification by developing the highest number of fruit orchards in the state but the prime concern was whether the state government will be able to provide canal water to the farmers living in the tail-end villages. Ground water management should be fair, he opined.

Sandeep Jakhar had raised the issue of arbitrary cancellation of smart ration cards in Abohar during the session and alleged that the officials of the Food and Supplies Department canceled the cards of about 1600 families living below the poverty line last year.

He presented some photographs which indicated that the smart ration cards of some Aam Aadmi Party workers who owned cars and palatial houses were issued in violation of the norms.

Food and Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak has assured that this matter will be investigated seriously.