Ludhiana, Oct 28 (KNN) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Punjab have slammed the state government and farmer's union over agitation on the recently passed 'Farm Bill' which is sinking the manufacturing economy of the state.

Since September 24th, the farmer organizations are on strike in Punjab over the farm bill which was passed by the Central government on September 21st, 2020.

''The Punjab government is openly supporting this movement and even tried to counter the farm bill by bringing amendments in the state's legislative assembly. But the government failed to resolve the issue of farmers,'' said All India Trade Forum (AITF) president Badish Jindal in a statement.

Targeting the railway services, the farmers have derailed the passenger and freight services in Punjab, it said.

Jindal added that AITF often requested farmer's unions to help the industry by allowing freight trains in Punjab.

Coming down heavily on farmer’s organisations who are part of these agitations, Jindal said, “It is really shocking that the state which is supporting your movement is facing the heat of your strike. The industry is paralyzed due to the ban on railway services by your organizations. The industry of Punjab was having a very soft corner for your demands in regard to the farm bills but unfortunately now the industry has no sympathy for you as your act of hurdles to the Industry is becoming a reason to closure of this sector.''    

''Strike won’t help you in resolving your issues as it is hardly impacting the interest of the central government” he added.

Though the state government is busy in taking the undue credit of these strikes and using it as a movement against the central government, the state government is unaware of its dire consequences on the state's economy, Jindal said.

Both the state government and railways are asking each other to resolve the issue, but it is the primary responsibility of the state to ensure the safety of railways in their respective states.

''It seems that the state government wants to linger on the issue for their vested interest till the Bihar elections putting industry in deep trouble,'' he avowed.

According to AITF president, the Steel manufacturing and consuming industry, Exports & Imports, Knitwear & Garment and Construction Sector are the most affected sectors due to this strike.