India is witnessing a re-escalation of Farmers’ Protests. It has gained momentum once again. Farmers, primarily from Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh are embarking on a march towards Delhi on Tuesday to put pressure on the government into accepting their demands.
The protests were sparked by the government's failure to fulfill promises made during the 2020-2021 protests, including the demand for a legal minimum price for their crops, pensions, debt waivers, and action against those who sell fake seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Hundreds of farmers are marching towards Delhi, demanding that the government address their grievances. Here are the key demands of the protesting farmers:
First is the Minimum Support Price (MSP) Guarantee: The farmers are advocating for a law that ensures a minimum support price for all crops. They believe this is crucial to protect them from market uncertainties. Currently, the government sets MSP for nearly 22 commodities.
Second is on Dr. MS Swaminathan Commission’s Recommendations. The farmers want crop prices to be determined according to the recommendations of the Dr. MS Swaminathan Commission. Dr. Swaminathan had suggested increasing MSP to at least 50% above the weighted average cost of production.
Third is a demand of Full Debt Waiver: The farmers are demanding a complete waiver of debts for both farmers and labourers.
Fourth is Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri Victims: The protesters seek justice for the victims of the October 2021 killings in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur Kheri district.
Fifth demand is about Pensions for Farmers and Laborers: They want pensions for both farmers and agricultural laborers.
Sixth is about Compensation for Deceased Farmers: The farmers are asking for compensation for those who lost their lives during the earlier Delhi protests. Additionally, they request a job opportunity for one family member of each deceased farmer.
Seventh is about Scrapping of Electricity Amendment 2020: The farmers want the Electricity Amendment 2020 to be revoked. In the Electricity Amendment Bill, 2020, the government aims to eliminate subsidy in electricity tariff and proposed the procedure of Direct Benefit Transfer(DBT) in which cash would be transferred to the farmers.
Eighth is the Withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO): They want for India’s withdrawal from the WTO and a freeze on all free trade agreements so that there is no upper limit on government’s farm subsidies.
Ninth is about Action against those who sell fake seeds and pesticides.
And the tenth is about Doubling the number of work days under the rural employment guarantee scheme. Farmers are demanding that under MGNREGA 200 days of work at Rupees 700 per day wage should be provided.
What are your views on farmers demands. Comment and let us know.
Subscribe to Zinkpot Capital on YouTube for videos and more such content. Click here
Comments
Write Comment