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Talks with farmers end on a positive note

February 15, 2025, 1:08 am

Chandigarh: The much-awaited meeting between farmer leaders and a government delegation led by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi ended on a positive note on Friday. The next round of talks is scheduled for February 22 and will be attended by Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 81 days, said after the meeting, “Today’s meeting ended without any final decision. The next round of talks will take place on February 22 at a venue that will be announced soon. But the protest to continue as it is”.

Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi told reporters that the meeting was positive and all farmer-related issues were discussed. “We listened to the farmers for over two-and-a-half hours. The next meeting will be held under the leadership of Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan,” Joshi added.

Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, who also attended the meeting, said, “The minister gave a patient hearing to the farmers. It was commendable that Dallewal attended the meeting despite the personal tragedy of losing his granddaughter.”

The farmers announced that their protest at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders will continue until their demands are met. Their primary demand is a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. The union minister urged Dallewal to end his hunger strike immediately, but Dallewal refused, saying he would only end the strike after a concrete assurance from the government.

Jagjit Dallewal from Samyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Sarwan Pandher from Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are leading the farmers’ delegation. Dallewal arrived at the meeting in an ambulance and was brought to the conference hall on a stretcher.

Farmer leaders Abhimanyu Kohar and Sarvan Singh Pandher said that they have raised all the issues with the facts and documents but the farmer leaders have demanded the union minister to fix the venue of the next meeting at Delhi. They said that the hunger strike and agitation of the farmers will continue as it is until their demands are accepted. The farmer leaders said that the focus of the discussion in two and half hours meeting was MSP Guarantee Act.

The last round of talks in February last year failed after farmers rejected the government’s offer to purchase five cropsarhar, cotton, maize, lentils, and black gram at MSP for five years. The farmers have been demanding a comprehensive law that guarantees MSP for all crops.

Since February 13, hundreds of farmers have been protesting at the Shambhu border along NH-44, one of India’s busiest highways. The ongoing protest has caused severe disruption to daily life and business in the region. Farmer leader Sarvan Pandher warned that if no solution is reached on February 22, the farmers will march to Delhi.

Sowing the seeds of prosperity: Modi government’s renewed commitment to farmers and a Viksit Bharat

January 28, 2025, 2:27 am

In June 2024, as Narendra Modi began his third term as Prime Minister of India, his first action set the tone for a renewed commitment to farmers. By authorising the release of the 17th installment of the PM Kisan Nidhi, he underscored his government’s enduring focus on farmer welfare.

This dedication was further reinforced in the first Cabinet meeting of 2025, where significant decisions were made to bolster agricultural prosperity. Prime Minister Modi expressed his pride in India’s farmers and reaffirmed the government’s intent to empower them. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan echoed this sentiment, envisioning the New Year as a step towards fulfilling the shared dream of a developed India.

The first major decision revolved around the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Restructured Weather Based Crop Insurance Scheme, which were extended until 2025-26 with a comprehensive budget of Rs. 69,515.71 crore. This move aims to provide risk coverage to farmers against natural calamities, ensuring that their hard work is safeguarded.

The establishment of the Fund for Innovation and Technology (FIAT), with a corpus of Rs. 824.77 crore, marks a groundbreaking approach to integrating technology into crop insurance. Initiatives like the Yield Estimation System using Technology (YES-TECH) and the Weather Information and Network Data Systems (WINDS) are set to revolutionise yield estimation and weather forecasting, offering farmers a lifeline against unpredictable climatic challenges. These advancements reflect the government’s commitment to leveraging innovation to benefit the agricultural sector.

The second key decision was the extension of the one-time special package on diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilisers under the Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) policy until December 2025. With an additional allocation of Rs. 3,850 crore, this measure ensures that DAP remains affordable for farmers while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

By continuing this subsidy, the government seeks to alleviate the financial burden on farmers and maintain agricultural productivity. This policy reflects a long-term vision to enhance the accessibility of essential resources and strengthen the backbone of the agrarian economy.

The third decision involved strengthening international trade relations through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indonesia for the annual trade of one million metric tonnes of non-basmati white rice. This four-year agreement, implemented by the National Cooperative Exports Limited (NCEL), not only addresses trade imbalances but also provides a structured framework for cooperative involvement in international markets.

By sourcing rice transparently and equitably, this initiative ensures market stability while boosting India’s export potential. The MoU represents a strategic move to integrate Indian agricultural products into global supply chains, fostering economic growth and cooperation.

The continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana encapsulates the government’s vision of inclusive development through technology. With initiatives like YES-TECH for yield estimation and WINDS for hyper-local weather data, the scheme exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to risk management in agriculture.

The prioritisation of North Eastern States with a 90% premium subsidy highlights an equitable strategy to extend benefits to all regions. These measures reflect a holistic effort to ensure that no farmer is left behind, empowering them to face challenges with resilience and optimism.

In conclusion, the Modi government’s pro-farmer policies underscore a relentless pursuit of a “Viksit Bharat”—a developed India where agriculture thrives as the cornerstone of progress. By focusing on innovation, affordability, and global engagement, these decisions reflect a transformative agenda aimed at uplifting the lives of India’s farmers. This unwavering commitment aligns with the broader vision of a self-reliant, prosperous nation that cherishes its agricultural roots while embracing the promise of modernity.

Pilot Neeraj Sehrawat, National Incharge – Research & Policy, Kisan Morcha BJP.
Sumit Kaushik, a research scholar at O.P. Jindal Global University.

Farmers Gear Up for Republic Day Tractor March, Vow to Intensify Agitation

January 20, 2025, 10:15 pm

Even as the union government has decided to resume talks with the farmer leaders, but the agitating farmer unions have decided to continue with the countrywide tractor march on Republic Day, January 26. Even on Monday the farmer leaders from the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have the detailed strategy for the tractor march. As per the programme from 12:00pm to 1:30pm on Republic Day, farmers’ tractors will be stationed at shopping malls, silos, toll plazas, BJP offices, or along roadsides.

The farmer leaders said that depending on local conditions, the local leaders of both organizations will ensure that thousands of tractors are parked at one of these five designated locations for an hour and a half. The farmer leaders also warned that if any folk artist faces retaliatory action by the government for supporting the farmers’ movement, both organizations will stand firmly behind these artists. On the other hand the Samyukta Kisan Morcha has also given a call for a parallel tractor march across the country against the anti-farmer policies being implemented through the “National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing (NPFAM). Meanwhile, the SKM leaders have called a meeting on January 24 to decide the strategy and plan for the march”. However, the farmer leaders have suspended the Delhi March on January 21 as they said that the next decision will be taken after the meeting between farmers and union government.

On the other hand the doctors have claimed improvement in the health of fasting leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal after he took medical assistance. As per the medical bulletin there were slight signs of improvement in Dallewal’s health following the initiation of medical aid late at night two days ago. The officials added that a detailed report will be shared once the latest blood sample results are available. A team of eight senior doctors was keeping a close eye over his health.

Farmers For United Front To Strengthen Protest: SKM Calls Crucial Meeting in Patiala

January 10, 2025, 10:17 pm

In a significant move towards unity, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has called for a critical meeting on January 15 in Patiala, with a focus to address differences among farmer unions and discuss the unity resolution passed during the Moga Mahapanchayat held earlier this month. The call for solidarity comes as a delegation to SKM leaders visited Khanauri border where farmer leader Daljit Singh Dallewal is on fast unto death for the past 46 days.
Emphasizing the urgency of collective action, a six-member SKM delegation, accompanied by a 101-member farmers’ group met leaders of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Morcha and SKM (Non-Political) at the Khanauri border. The meeting aimed to iron out internal differences and reaffirm their shared goal of addressing the Central Government’s “pro-corporate policies.”
“Our target should be the central government. There should be no attempts to compete or compare with each other,” stated a resolution circulated by SKM.
Prominent leaders, including Balbir Singh Rajewal, Joginder Singh Ugrahan, and Dr. Darshan Pal, visited Dallewal to express solidarity and discuss a common minimum program. Rajewal stated, “The whole country, especially Punjab, is worried about Dallewal’s health. It’s time to forget our internal differences and fight this battle together.” Farmer leader Joginder Singh Ugrahan emphasized the importance of disciplined communication, urging leaders to avoid media statements that could spark divisions.
Kaka Singh Kotra, leader of SKM Non-Political, dismissed the government’s claims of a divided farmer movement. “Today, we have taken a step towards forming a unified struggle, similar to the one during the 2020-21 protests. We hope all unions will come together,” he said. On the other hand in a video message, Dallewal criticized the Punjab BJP unit for approaching the Akal Takht to end his fast. He urged BJP leaders to instead press the Prime Minister and senior ministers to address farmers’ concerns.
“You should meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, and Home Minister Amit Shah,” said Dallewal, calling for swift government intervention.
Meanwhile, the farmer leaders associated with the SKM (Non-political) and KMM held protests at different locations and burnt effigies of the Modi government, demanding immediate action on Dallewal’s demands and the Minimum Support Price (MSP) guarantee law. As per the farmer leaders the January 15 meeting will bring together farmer unions to strengthen their movement and outline strategies to tackle ongoing challenges. Also the copies of the Moga Mahapanchayat resolution have been circulated among farmer organizations to ensure informed discussions.

Karnataka Waqf Row: 81% Of Land Notices Served To Muslims

December 19, 2024, 11:16 am

The Karnataka government disclosed that 81% of the 11,204 farmers who received notices from the Waqf Board over land encroachment are Muslim. Only 2,080 farmers from the Hindu community were affected, sparking political debates in the state.

Government’s Assurance to Farmers and Temples

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the formation of a committee led by a retired high court judge to examine whether temples and lands cultivated by farmers fall under waqf assets. He assured the Karnataka Assembly that:

Notices issued to temples on waqf properties would be withdrawn.
Farmers cultivating waqf-designated lands would not face arbitrary action.

Clarifications on Waqf Land Data

Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda provided key insights into the waqf land distribution:

Of Karnataka’s 20,000 acres of waqf land, only 4,500 acres are cultivable.
Cultivable waqf land constitutes just 0.006% of the state’s total agricultural land.
The waqf land inventory has significantly reduced from 1.12 lakh acres in 1974 to 20,054 acres today due to redistribution under the Land Revenue Act and Inam Abolition Act.

Political Clash in the Assembly

The BJP staged a walkout during the Assembly session, demanding answers from Housing, Waqf, and Minority Affairs Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan. They also called for the withdrawal of the 1974 gazette notification that formalized waqf land data.

CM Siddaramaiah refuted the BJP’s demands, clarifying that the notification was based on the Central Waqf Act, which cannot be altered by the state government. Revenue Minister Gowda accused the BJP of spreading misinformation about Muslims encroaching on Hindu land to polarize public opinion.

A Heated Debate Continues

The waqf land issue has intensified political tensions in Karnataka, with both ruling and opposition parties trading accusations. While the government assures corrective measures, the opposition demands more transparency and accountability in addressing the waqf land controversy.

Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving issue.

Centre Doubles Stubble Burning Fines: Farmers Now Face Rs 30,000 Penalty

November 7, 2024, 12:52 pm

The Centre has increased penalties for farmers engaging in crop stubble burning in an effort to combat air pollution. As per the latest notification, farmers with less than two acres will now face a fine of Rs 5,000, those with two to five acres will be charged Rs 10,000, and those with over five acres will incur a hefty Rs 30,000 penalty. This hike in fines follows criticism from the Supreme Court, which described the previous penalties as “toothless” against the escalating environmental damage. The court noted that earlier fines lacked effectiveness, partly due to delays in appointing adjudicating officers and implementing a regulatory framework.

The new guidelines also introduce a process for managing pollution-related complaints, designating pollution control boards and the Commission for Air Quality Management as responsible bodies. The amendment includes rules for conducting inquiries and handling pollution complaints more efficiently, a measure seen as vital for addressing air quality concerns.

In response to deteriorating air conditions, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai launched an anti-waste-burning campaign, starting Wednesday, to address the capital’s severe pollution levels. As Delhi’s air quality index (AQI) reached a concerning 356 on Wednesday morning, placing it in the “very poor” category, the city remains engulfed in smog, with temperatures unusually high for the season, leading to hazardous conditions for residents.

This increase in fines forms part of a larger government strategy to tackle pollution more effectively, aiming to create a consistent approach to handling environmental violations across the country.

Kangana courts fresh controversy with remark on farmers

August 27, 2024, 5:39 am

BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut on Monday found herself at the centre of a political storm after suggesting that the farmers’ protests could have led to a Bangladesh-like crisis if not for the government’s intervention.

Her statements, shared on her account X, were met with severe criticism from across the political spectrum and farmers’ organizations. The Mandi MP’s remarks have landed the ruling party in a spot ahead of the crucial assembly elections in Haryana.

Opposition leaders in Haryana, sensing an opportunity to capitalise on the controversy have used Kangana’s remarks to attack the BJP. Former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda criticised the comments, stating, “Haryana and Punjab farmers feed the entire country.
“Such remarks against farmers are unacceptable.” Congress leader Randeep Singh Surjewala weighed in, questioning whether Kangana’s statements were part of a larger BJP election strategy.

“The question is, did Kangana make these vile accusations against farmers as part of the BJP’s election strategy? Were these her own words, or did someone else write them for her? If not, then why are the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister of Haryana, and all BJP MPs and MLAs silent on this issue?” Surjewala posted on X.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Haryana President Sushil Gupta also slammed Kangana’s statement, calling it “ironical” and criticized the BJP for merely issuing a statement without taking more substantial action. He asserted, “The BJP cannot blink away this controversy by simply issuing a statement.”

Kangana’s remarks have not only embarrassed BJP leaders in Haryana but have also drawn criticism from within her own party. Punjab BJP leader Harjit Singh Grewal distanced the party from her comments, stating that they were her personal views and did not represent the party’s stance.

Telangana begins loan waiver for farmers, releasing Rs 6K Cr to 11.5 lakh farmers

July 18, 2024, 10:59 pm

The Congress-led Telangana government started fulfilling its promise of waiving off farm loans on Thursday, a pledge made during the assembly elections. In the first phase, the government transferred Rs 6,098 crore to 11.5 lakh farmers who have loans up to Rs one lakh.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy initiated the farm loan waiver scheme on Thursday. He, along with Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu and Minister Thummala Nageshwar Rao, participated in the ‘Rythu Nestham’ program at the Secretariat. They interacted with farmers regarding the loan waiver before releasing the funds.

Today, the state government deposited Rs 6,098.93 crore into the accounts of 11.50 lakh farmers with loans up to Rs 1 lakh. Government officials estimate that a total waiver of Rs 31,000 crore will benefit nearly 50 lakh farmers.

Reddy has instructed that the loan waiver be celebrated like a festival, according to officials. By the end of this month, the state government plans to release funds into the accounts of farmers with loans up to Rs 1.5 lakh. In August, funds will be released to those with loans up to Rs 2 lakh.

Officials stated that the state government intends to waive off farmers’ loans amounting to approximately Rs 31,000 crore.

On May 6, 2022, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi promised a Rs 2 lakh farmer loan waiver in the Warangal declaration if the party came to power in the state. The Congress wrested power from the K. Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS in the southern state and formed its government for the first time since the state’s formation in 2014.

PM Modi Returns To Varanasi To Reach Out To Farmers, Distribute PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Installment

June 18, 2024, 3:02 pm

Following the electoral setback in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP secured only 33 seats, a significant decline from the 62 seats won in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to return to Varanasi, his Lok Sabha constituency, on Tuesday. This visit, the first since the poll results, is aimed at connecting with farmers.

The evening’s agenda includes PM Modi witnessing the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat and performing pooja and darshan at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. However, the focal point of the visit is his participation in the PM Kisan Samman Sammelan.

In a symbolic gesture highlighting the government’s commitment, PM Modi’s first official act after assuming office for the third term was authorizing the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi, a direct transfer scheme benefitting farmers.

On Tuesday, PM Modi will distribute the 17th installment, totaling over ₹20,000 crores, to approximately 9.26 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme through Direct Benefit Transfer. Over 11 crore eligible farmer families have received benefits from the scheme so far.

The choice of Varanasi as the venue is noteworthy, as while Modi secured a significant victory there, the BJP’s performance in the region was less impressive.

The Varanasi region comprises 12 Lok Sabha seats, of which the BJP, along with ally Apna Dal-Soneylal, won seven in 2019 but fared poorly this time, securing only three seats. This includes the loss of seats in Jaunpur, Ghazipur, Ghosi, Lalganj, Azamgarh, and Ballia—all within the Varanasi belt.

By personally attending the event in Varanasi, PM Modi is sending a strong message, emphasizing the importance of the region to his government. The event will also see the Prime Minister awarding certificates to over 30,000 women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) as Krishi Sakhis, highlighting the government’s focus on empowering rural women.

With an eye on the 2027 Uttar Pradesh elections, the BJP is keen to regain lost ground in the state, with PM Modi’s leadership being central to the party’s strategy.

Farmers in northern Patiala district oppose land acquisition for bypass construction

May 13, 2024, 6:03 am

Despite formal acquisition announcement in December 2021, project was inexplicably halted in June 2022, leaving farmers unable to sell or utilize their land.

Over 400 farmers from 24 villages in Patiala district have strongly voiced their opposition to the acquisition of more than 300 acres of fertile land by the Punjab and Central governments at nominal prices for the construction of the Northern Patiala Bypass. In a press conference held today at the Press Club Chandigarh, representatives from the Northern Patiala Bypass Union, including Malkiat Singh, Sukham Singh, Taranjit Singh, Gurpreet Singh, and former IAS officer Harkesh Singh Sidhu, urged both governments to rectify the situation within one week or face widespread agitation. They also appealed to all farm unions to support their cause in seeking justice.

The farmers revealed that the Northern Patiala Bypass Project, initiated through Government Notifications in 2021, has been marred by delays and bureaucratic hurdles.

Despite the formal acquisition announcement in December 2021, the project was inexplicably halted in June 2022, leaving farmers unable to sell or utilize their land.

Attempts to engage with the state government yielded little response, prompting farmers to seek legal recourse through the Punjab & Haryana High Court.

According to the farmers, the Compensation Assessment and Land Acquisition (CALA) process has been tainted by undue influence, with the District Revenue Officer (DRO) allegedly under pressure to minimize compensation payouts. They accused the government of disregarding established procedures and market rates, resulting in gross undervaluation of their land.

Citing examples of prevailing market rates, farmers argued that the proposed compensation falls drastically short of their land’s true worth. Despite efforts to raise their concerns with local authorities and political representatives, including Chief Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Saini and Patiala MP Preneet Kaur, their grievances have been ignored.

Expressing disappointment over the lack of support from the authorities, the farmers warned of escalating protests if their demands for fair compensation are not met promptly.

They underscored their legal entitlement to compensation in line with existing laws and market rates, stressing the urgency of addressing their grievances.

In a bid to rally support, the farmers called upon fellow farm unions to stand in solidarity and join their struggle for equitable treatment and just compensation. With tensions mounting and negotiations at an impasse, the fate of the Northern Patiala Bypass project hangs in the balance, contingent upon the government’s response to the farmers’ demands.

‘Govt leaving no stone unturned to ensure farmer welfare’: PM Modi

February 22, 2024, 1:23 pm

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the golden jubilee celebrations of the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation, emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to farmer welfare. He highlighted initiatives such as the construction of over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars nationwide, aimed at benefiting farmers and bolstering the rural economy. Modi reiterated the goal of providing modern technology and knowledge to small farmers and emphasized enhancing the lives of small farmers, expanding opportunities in animal husbandry, and promoting animal husbandry, pisciculture, and beekeeping in villages.

Modi praised the pivotal role of ‘Nari Shakti’ in driving the flourishing dairy sector in India, noting that the country has become the world’s largest milk producer. He underscored the importance of increasing the economic power of women and highlighted government efforts in this direction, including the Mudra Yojana, where a majority of beneficiaries are women.

The Prime Minister congratulated the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation on its golden jubilee, noting its growth from a local initiative to a national and global success. He praised Amul as a symbol of India’s cattle rearers’ strength and highlighted its significance in post-independence India.

Modi highlighted the impressive growth of India’s dairy sector, noting a 60% increase in milk production and a 40% increase in per capita milk availability over the past decade, outpacing global growth rates.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel lauded Gujarat’s progress in cooperative milk production, highlighting the increased participation of women in the dairy industry. He emphasized the dairy industry’s contribution to making India the fifth-largest economy and praised PM Modi’s governance approach of Perform, Reform, and Transform.

PM Modi visited an exhibition by Amul and participated in cultural programs. He is scheduled to inaugurate development projects worth over Rs 22,850 crore in Gujarat, focusing on key sectors like road, rail, energy, health, and urban development across various districts.

Punjab: 3-day rail roko, Know what farmers are demanding

September 28, 2023, 12:33 pm

Several farmers’ organizations initiated a three-day railway blockade starting on Thursday, in order to emphasize their stance on various urgent demands.

These demands encompass a financial aid package to compensate for losses incurred due to recent floods, a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and the forgiveness of agricultural debts.

The decision to implement this railway blockade was announced by Sarwan Singh Pandher, who serves as the General Secretary of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee. This pivotal choice followed a significant gathering of representatives representing 19 different farmers’ groups, as reported by news agencies.

Although the majority of the participating farmer groups hail from Punjab, this movement has gained support from farmers’ organizations in Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and other regions.

Pandher informed the media that the farmers are seeking financial relief packages for individuals affected by floods across northern India, a legally binding commitment to the Minimum Support Price for all crop categories, and comprehensive debt forgiveness, among other demands.

The “rail roko” protest will occur at 12 locations in Punjab, including Moga, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Patiala, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and Amritsar.

Several farmer organizations supporting this movement include the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari), Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta Azaad), Azaad Kisan Committee Doaba, Bharti Kisan Union (Behramke), Bharti Kisan Union (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), Bharti Kisan Union (Chottu Ram), Kisan Mahapanchayat (Haryana), Pagri Sambhal Jatta (Haryana), Progressive Farmer Front (Uttar Pradesh), Bhoomi Bachao Muhim (Uttarakhand), and the Rashtriya Kisan Sangathan (Himachal Pradesh).

Earlier this month, around 100 farmers in Maharashtra’s Sangli district conducted a ‘rail roko’ protest opposing the railways’ land acquisition. This led to a more than four-hour halt of the Kolhapur-Gondia Maharashtra Express in the Bhilwadi-Nandre area of Palus tehsil. The Maharashtra farmers are demanding that the railways acquire their additional land, and discussions with the district administration are ongoing regarding joint measurements for this purpose.

‘We have only two demands,’ says framer leader Rakesh Tikait

June 12, 2023, 4:21 pm

In order to avoid congestion caused by farmers gathering in Haryana’s Kurukshetra for a Mahapanchyat, the traffic on Monday was redirected on the Delhi-Chandigarh national highway 44.

This diversion was implemented to ensure smooth flow of vehicles and to address the farmers’ demand for a minimum support price for sunflower seeds, which led them to occupy the roads in the city.

However, Tikait said that the peasants are not blocking the highway. “It is not right; highways should not be blocked,” Tikait said.

“We have only two demands: release the farmers who were detained and start purchasing sunflower seeds at MSP. We are ready to hold talks with the government,” Tikait said.

Farmers and their supporters from Punjab, Haryana were seen coming out on the streets in large numbers on their tractors after the mahapanchayat this morning.

Farmers to gather in UP tomorrow for wrestlers after Haridwar pull-back

May 31, 2023, 3:30 pm

A significant gathering of farmers has been organised for Thursday in the town of Sauram in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district to address the recent protests by some of the top wrestlers in the country who have accused the head of their federation of sexual harassment.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) and Balyan Khap leader Naresh Tikait have said that the wrestling protest will be the main topic of discussion during the mahapanchayat at the historic Sauram Chaupal.

The wrestlers, who started their protest in New Delhi in January of this year, want the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) to take action against Brij Bhushan Singh, who has been accused of harassing female athletes sexually.

Top wrestlers, including Olympic medalists Sakshi Malik, Bajrang Punia, and Asian Games winner Vinesh Phogat, congregated on the banks of the Ganges River in Haridwar on Tuesday in a stunning turn of events.

They had threatened to throw their Olympic and World medals into the sacred river in protest at the BJP’s Member of Parliament, Mr Singh’s treatment.

By promising a solution in five days, Mr Tikait and other Khap and farmer leaders were able to persuade them to wait.

Mr Tikait, in his message to the media, praised the athletes, saying, “Because of them, we hold our heads high in the international sports arena.

Different khaps and their heads from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Delhi are expected to be present in the Mahapanchayat to decide the next step regarding the wrestlers protest.

Punjab: CM Mann announces increase in crop loss compensation

March 27, 2023, 4:14 pm

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann held a meeting with officials and discussed the matter of compensating farmers for crop losses due to bad weather.

There are reports of heavy damage to crops due to bad weather in North India. The crops of the farmers in many districts of Punjab were ruined, after which the farmers demanded compensation. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and several other officials personally visited the crop fields to assess the damage caused to the crops. After assessing the crops, he held a meeting with the officials.

Taking this to Twitter, CM Bhagwant Mann released a video on his personal account saying, ‘We have changed the method of compensation of the previous government, and now, unlike the previous government, we will not only announce the compensation but will also give it.’

He said that we will not distribute checks for Rs 54 or Rs 111, but farmers will be given timely compensation in a transparent manner. CM Bhagwant Mann said that earlier, 12 thousand rupees were given for 75 percent to 100 percent loss, but now 15 thousand rupees will be given for 75 percent to 100 percent loss. In the previous government, Rs 5400 was given for a 33 to 50 percent loss, but now Rs 6750 will be given.

Taking it to the CMO Punjab Twitter account, he said, “The laborer’s will get 10 percent as compensation, of which Rs 95,100 will be paid as compensation for complete house damage and Rs 5,200 will be given for minor damage to houses. The state government will soon introduce a crop insurance scheme for farmers”.

Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: Accused Ashish Mehra granted interim bail

January 25, 2023, 12:32 pm

The Supreme Court on 25^th January granted bail to Lakhimpur Kheri violence accused Ashish Mishra. The top court has granted Mishra bail on the condition that he will not stay in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh and leave Uttar Pradesh a week opposed the bail plea of Mishra in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.

Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra had moved Supreme Court challenging Allahabad High Court which denied bail to him in connection with the case. Mishra is facing a murder case for October 3, 2021 incident in which eight people including four farmers, were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri.

UP Government Opposes Bail Petition of Ashish Mishra in Lakhimpur Case

January 19, 2023, 5:16 pm

The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday countered the bail petition of Ashish Mishra in the Lakhimpur Kheri brutality issue in the Supreme Court. The apex court, meanwhile, secured its decree on Ashish Mishra’s bail plea.

A bench of justices Surya Kant and JK Maheshwari reserved the order after the arguments and evidences of all parties. “We reserve orders. We will pass the order,” the bench said.

During the proceedings in the Supreme Court, Uttar Pradesh government described the bench that they are contending the bail plea of Ashish Mishra in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. UP government notified the court about the chargesheet where eyewitnesses claimed that Ashish Mishra was absconding after the accident.

Uttar Pradesh government conveyed the Supreme Court that apparent crimes were solemn and granting bail in such subjects may impact the society negatively.

.Supreme Court also stated the ordinance will take its approach and the trial court will determine which interpretation is correct. The court also said that at this point they are negotiating with bail and there should be a balancing liberties of parties and none can be held in uncertain imprisonment.

The court also commented that this matter may require additional monitoring by the top court.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, seeming for petitioner Ashish Mishra, said his client is not a risk to society and urged to grant bail to Mishra.
Senior Advocate Dushyant Dave, appearing for the complainant, told the Supreme Court if Mishra is out on bail then it will send a terrible message.
But the court noted that the attorney cannot say that the Supreme Court is a silent bystander and he cannot curtail the powers of a constitutional court.

Nevertheless, Dave stressed that Mishra should not be given ease and said that it was a cold-blooded slaying and there was a conspiracy involved in it.

Dave also remarked that as he has experience of 44 years at the bar and therefore he can assure the court that the trial will never see the light of the day if Ashish Mishra is released on bail as they are powerful people who can influence the trial.

Dave also cited a report and said as on 31 March 2021, there are 13,000 undertrial prisoners in murder cases in UP and Ashish Mishra is not an exception.

Rajyavardhan Rathore urges Rajasthan CM to announce crop loss compensation for farmers

January 19, 2023, 12:12 pm

BJP MP Rajyavardhan Rathore on Wednesday urged Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot to announce a relief package for the farmers as they have suffered huge losses. In his letter to Gehlot dated January 18, the BJP MP said that vegetable crops had been destroyed due to frost during the cold wave in the state. Rathore urged the Chief Minister to give compensation to the farmers as soon as possible in view of crop failure.

Punjab: Police lash out at farmers protesting outside CM’s resident in Sangrur

November 30, 2022, 6:03 pm

In front of the rented residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday, the Sangrur Police lashed out at protesting farm workers. The workers urged that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005 (MGNREGA) be amended to raise the minimum daily pay to Rs. 700, adopt five-marla plot plans for Dalits, and provide the community the third share of common panchayat land on lease.

Under the banner of the Sanjha Mazdoor Morcha, an alliance of eight labour organisations, they were demonstrating. Around three o’clock in the afternoon, hundreds of agricultural labourers from Sangrur assembled near the Patiala-Bathinda road and marched in that direction.

The cops began using force on them and even used a lathi charge after they got outside the private colony where Mann’s house is located.

Manpreet Singh, the SP for Sangrur, organised the cane-charging and was seen in footage hitting protesters. In the videos, he is seen ordering other cops and hitting protesters.

Rs 200 crores relief for distressed farmers: Odisha government

November 15, 2022, 6:27 pm

Naveen Patnaik, the chief minister of Odisha, stated on Tuesday that the state would provide Rs 200 crores in input assistance to help the state’s struggling farmers in drought-affected districts.

The Odisha government informed through a press release that the entire expenditure would be borne by the State Government. According to statistics, 2,63560 hectares of agriculture in 64 blocks and 15 ULBs of 12 districts had experienced crop losses of at least 33%. Despite ongoing follow-up and pursuit by the state government with the technical advisory committee under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, the release stated that many affected farmers have still not received their crop insurance dues.

The Chief Minister has decided to provide help using state funds in this situation, after taking into account the seriousness of the situation, the demands of the affected farmers, and crop loss data from the Collectors.

The collectors of the affected districts have been instructed to inform SRC of the need for funds, and the necessary actions will be taken to provide aid right away. To alleviate the farmers’ plight, an estimated Rs. 200 crores will be given out.

On December 5, there will be by-elections in the state’s Bargarh district’s Padampur Assembly Constituency. The results of those elections are expected to be announced on December 8.

The death of sitting BJD MLA Bijay Ranjan Singh Bariha on October 3 forced the Padampur byelection.

November 17 is the deadline for submitting nomination papers. On November 18, the papers will be scrutinised. The deadline to withdraw from consideration is November 21.

12th instalment of funds worth Rs 16K cr for farmers released by PM

October 17, 2022, 3:48 pm

PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day PM Kisan Samman Sammelan 2022 and said that the 12th instalment of funds worth Rs 16,000 crore had been sent to farmers across the country on Monday.

PM Modi said, “Under PM Kisan, the 12th instalment worth Rs 16,000 crore has been sent to farmers across India. Under ‘One nation, one fertilizer’, farmers will be provided with cheaper and good quality fertilizer. “

The “Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Urvarak Pariyojana-One Nation, One Fertilizer” was launched by PM Modi. Under the scheme, the Prime Minister launched Bharat urea bags, which will help companies market fertilisers under the single brand name “Bharat”.

He lauded India’s progress in urea production and highlighted it.
“Today, India is working towards Aatmanirbharta in urea production through the use of nano-urea. This will be a major milestone for the agriculture sector in India. “Nano Urea will emerge as a cost-effective medium for farming purposes,” he added.

” From today, the work will start to convert over 3.15 lakh fertiliser shops into Pradhan Mantri Samruddhi Kendras. “These Kendras will be a one-stop solution catering to all requirements of our Annadatas,” said PM Modi, underlining the conversion of fertiliser retail shops.

Additionally, the Agri Startup Conclave and Exhibition were launched by Prime Minister Modi.
A total of 300 companies presented their cutting-edge work in a variety of fields, including precision agriculture, post-harvest and value-added solutions, allied agriculture, waste to wealth, mechanisation for small farmers, supply chain management, and agri-logistics.
The platform would make it easier for startups to communicate with farmers, farmer-producer organisations (FPOs), agri-experts, corporations, and other stakeholders. In technical workshops, startups will also discuss their experiences and engage with other stakeholders.
Additionally, PM Modi debuted the fertilizer-focused e-magazine “Indian Edge.” It will include information on current events; pricing trend analysis; availability and consumption patterns; farmer success stories; and possibilities for domestic and international fertiliser use.

Farmers in Punjab demonstrate action in the Lakhimpur Kheri case by blocking rail tracks for three hours.

October 3, 2022, 1:54 pm

Members of the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee (KMSC) blocked rail traffic for three hours on Monday demanding the sacking of Union Minister of state for home Ajay Mishra on the first anniversary of the Lakhimpur Kheri Violence.

KMSC general secretary Sarwan Singh Pandher said: “We are holding a protest at 17 locations in the region. Rail traffic is blocked on the Amritsar-Delhi, Amritsar-Khemkaran and Amritsar-Pathankot routes. We will burn the effigy of the central government at eight locations, namely Muktsar, Mansa, Barnala, Malerkotla, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Rupnagar and Nabha to protest the lack of action against Mishra.”

Farmers were staging a protest in Tikunia village on October 3rd last year against the three farm laws introduced by the BJP govt. Then deputy minister Keshav Prasad Maurya visited the place and four of the farmers were crushed under the wheels of the convoy of cars. In the subsequent violence, four others, including two BJP workers and a journalist, were killed.
Pandher demanded the release of the farmers arrested after the incident and that the Union minister should be sent behind bars after being sacked from the cabinet.

He said the Centre should also revoke the notification issued for amending the distribution of electricity licence rules. He alleged that the government was now going to distribute electricity to private companies. “The right of distribution of electricity belongs to state governments, but by issuing this notification, the central government is taking it into its own hands and giving it to private houses,” he claimed.
He demanded ₹7,000 compensation per acre for managing paddy stubble.

Haryana: NH 44 was cleared by farmers after govt agreed to their demands

September 24, 2022, 1:39 pm

The protesting farmers cleared the National Highway (NH) 44 after the state government agreed to their demands to procure the paddy lying in the mandis and to raise the ceiling on the per acre yield.
Hundreds of farmers blocked the NH 44 in Shahabad, Kurukshetra on Friday. This disrupted the movement of the traffic for the people going to Ambala and Delhi. The highway was blocked till night and the farmers threatened to continue the protest until their demands are fulfilled. They spent the whole night on the highway and had a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner of Kurukshetra on Saturday morning.

“Kurukshetra deputy commissioner, Shantanu Sharma, who was mediating between the farmers and the government, has told the farmers that the government has agreed to procure the paddy lying in the mandis,” said Gurnam Singh Chunni, president, Bhartiya Kisan Union (Charuni)
“The government has agreed that the paddy lying in the mandis will be procured to prevent it from getting damaged and the demand of increasing the yield ceiling was already accepted,” said Pankaj Agarwal, commissioner and secretary, of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department, Haryana.

The reason behind the protest is the ignorance of the paddy lying in the mandis. Many farmers sowed the crop early or used early maturing varieties. The harvest has been done and the crops are lying in the mandis. Now, continuous rain has increased the humidity which can spoil the grains.

The official procurement begins on October 1st. But the farmers have demanded an early purchase of the crop as the farmers don’t have enough storage space and the grains can be spoiled by the rains.
The govt has also agreed to increase the ceiling of the per acre yield from 22 quintals to 30 quintals in four districts and 28 quintals in other districts of the state.

Farmers in Haryana stage a massive protest after their demands were met

September 24, 2022, 11:54 am

According to the farmers’ body, a mega farmers’ strike in Haryana was lifted on Saturday morning after the demonstrators’ demands were met. The government is said to have agreed to buy the paddy in the mandis, and the yield ceiling per acre has been raised to 30 quintal. Traffic on the National Highway-22, which had been obstructed by the farmers, is said to have resumed.

“We had talks with the district administration, and they’ve ensured that paddy procurement will start immediately. As our demands have been met, we have decided to lift the blockade on the road,” Gurnam Singh Chaduni, president, the Bhartiya Kisan Union, was quoted.

“The stubborn government has surrendered in front of the farmers’ struggle, friends, you have won. The government has agreed to fill the paddy lying in the mandis and that what is expected to come. We will continue to struggle in the coming times too. Thanks to all,” he had said a tweet earlier as soon as the announcement was made.

He posted images of a standoff between cops and protesters on Friday. Protesters were seen lifting barriers amid massive chaos and a clash with cops in a video. “Farmers broke the barricades, NH1 is jammed until purchase arrives,” he tweeted.

Demonstrators were seen in large numbers on Kurukshetra’s GT Karnal Road, demanding that their paddy crops be procured immediately. Despite heavy rain in parts of north India over the last two days, this was the case.

“Traffic on the highway has been resumed and all the diversions have been removed. We have held talks with the farmers and the matter has been resolved amicably,” superintendent of police Surinder Singh Bhoria, said on Saturday.

CM JAGAN REACHES OUT TO CYCLONE-HIT FARMERS, RELEASES FUNDS UNDER WELFARE PLAN

December 30, 2020, 3:30 am

HYDERABAD: The Jaganmohan Reddy-led Andhra Pradesh government released the third tranche of ‘YSR Rythu Bharosa-PM Kisan’ of Rs 1,120 crore, along with the compensation of Rs 646 crore input subsidy for crops damaged during ‘Cyclone Nivar’. The government had depositeda total of Rs 1,766 crore in the farmers’ accounts.

The farmers across the state have suffered crop loss in 12.01 lakh acres due to the cyclone, affecting 8.34 lakh farmers in November. Looking back at the year round up in the agriculture sector, the farmers have suffered crop damages from June to November this year. The Jagan government had spent Rs 914 crore to assist 12 lakh farmers who suffered crop loss in 16.48 lakh acres.

In a significant outreach to farmers, the AP government is procuring damaged, discoloured, and sprouted paddy by easing certain restrictions. Besides providing input subsidy to farmers, the government is also distributing seeds at 80% subsidy to help farmers restart agricultural operations. The government has already distributed 35,700 quintals of paddy, Bengal gram, and groundnut seeds.

A total of Rs 136 crore has been issued by the state government as input subsidy on October 27 for the crops damaged from June to September 2020, Rs132.63 crore has been released on November 17 for crop damage in October and Rs 646 crore has been released for crop damage today.

CM Jagan has vowed to focus on farmers, as promised in the manifesto. The government is providing all the support to farmers under the Rythu Bharosa scheme starting with financial assistance of Rs 13,500. The first tranche of Rs 7,500 was deposited in the farmers’ accounts on May 15 at the beginning of the kharif season and the second tranche of Rs 4,000 was disbursed on October 27. The remaining Rs 2,000 is now being given in third instalments. Speaking on the progress made by the government in the agriculture sector across the state, CM Jagan said that his is a government that believes in extending as much support and a helping hand to distressed farmers in the state.

Criticising the TDP government over its incompetence towards farmer’s welfare, CM said, “According to the RBI, the previous government had earlier promised that they would waive Rs 87,612 crore loans to farmers, but hardly spent Rs 12,000 crore on farmers’ distress. A lot of arrears have been evaded, be it grains, seeds, insurance and electricity arrears. Eventually, 434 farmers have committed suicide due to misery. Our government today has compensated for the losses incurred.”

Leaders of 25 farmer groups meet Tomar, support new farm laws

December 29, 2020, 2:32 am

Amid the ongoing farmers’ protest on Delhi’s borders, representatives of around 25 farmer organisations on Monday gave a memorandum to Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in support of the new farm laws.

“Today representatives from different farmers’ organisations from all over the country gave memorandum in support of the new farm bills and said these are in the interest of farmers and should not be taken back. They also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” an official statement said.

The farmer delegations met Tomar to convey support for the laws ahead of the next round of talks between the government and protesting farmers on 30 December.

The government on Monday wrote to protesting farmer unions inviting them for the next round of talks on 30 December and said it is committed to finding “logical solution” to relevant issues with “honest intentions and open mind”.

In the letter to the farmer organisations protesting against new farm laws, Secretary, Agriculture Ministry Sanjay Agarwal said that the farmers in their communication to the government had said that “they have always been ready to talk with an open mind”. The letter came two days after the farmer unions said that the government had been urging them for talks and proposed that the talks be held on 29 December at 11 am.

Agarwal said in the letter that the meeting will discuss the three farm laws, the minimum support price structure besides the ordinance to curb air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region and electricity amendment bill.

The letter in Hindi said that the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha had sent an e-mail on 26 December in which it had accepted the request of talks by the government and informed about the date and time of next meeting. “You have apprised that the farmer organisations have been ready for talks with an open mind and will remain so. The government is also committed for a logical solution of the relevant issues with honest intentions and an open mind,” the letter said.

It said the meeting for “an acceptable solution” will be held at on December 30 at 2 pm at Vigyan Bhawan with the ministerial committee.

The farmer unions protesting against the three farm laws had on Saturday proposed holding the next round of talks with the government on 29 December. They had said the first two points in their agenda for talks were modalities to repeal the three farm laws, and mechanism and procedure to bring a law for providing a legal guarantee on MSP.

The farmer unions had on 23 December rejected the government proposal for talks, urging it not to repeat the “meaningless amendments” which have been rejected before and to come up with a concrete proposal in writing.

Farmers are protesting on Delhi borders since 26 November against agriculture laws recently enacted by the government. They are protesting against Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. They are demanding the repeal of the three laws.

The farmer unions have held five rounds of talks with the government and attended a meeting called by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Stop maligning farmers’ genuine fight for justice: Capt Amarinder to BJP

December 28, 2020, 4:10 am

CHANDIGARH: Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that the BJP should stop maligning the farmers and their genuine fight for justice by calling them offensive names like “Urban Naxals”, “Khalistanis”, “Hooligans”, etc.

“If the BJP cannot distinguish between anguished citizens fighting for their survival and terrorists/militants/hooligans, it should give up all pretence of being a people’s party,” said the Chief Minister. A party which treats citizens exercising their democratic right of protest as Naxals and terrorists has lost all right to rule over those citizens, he added.

Captain Amarinder said with these remarks, the BJP leadership had hit a new low in its desperation to promote its political agenda. He pointed out that such protests by angry farmers were taking place not just in Punjab but also in BJP-ruled states such as Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. “Do the farmers protesting in all these places look like Naxals to you? And does that mean that law and order has collapsed everywhere,” he asked.

“What is being seen in all these states, as well as the Delhi borders, is the sorry fall-out of the BJP-led central government’s failed policy on Agriculture, and its mishandling of the situation triggered by the farmers protest,” said the Chief Minister. Instead of heeding the plea of the ‘Annadatas’ and responding to their concerns, the BJP was busy trying to demean them and stifle their voice, he lamented.

Pointing out that various farmer leaders had themselves appealed to agitating farmers not to disconnect power to mobile towers, the Chief Minister said this clearly showed that what was being witnessed on the ground in some places was a spontaneous manifestation of the wrath of farmers who see a dark future ahead as a result of the new farm laws. He pointed out that Kisan Unions had clearly stated that they did not want farmers to indulge in such acts. In fact, the Unions had advised all protestors, and those standing with the farmers, to port their numbers out of the network of the telecom provider whom they had decided to boycott, he added.

The Chief Minister noted that the farmer leaders themselves believed, and were stressing, that it was imperative for the success of their movement to ensure that it remains peaceful. “Is that the language of Naxals, as BJP leader Tarun Chugh is alleging?” he asked, dubbing the BJP.

In sharp contrast to the BJP, the Congress believed in upholding the people’s constitutional right of peaceful protest, which even the Supreme Court had validated in the context of the farmers’ agitation, the Chief Minister said. “But the BJP and its leaders like Chugh seem to be bent on stifling all such protests with their brazen lies and false propaganda,” he added.

The CM also took a dig at Chugh’s plea to the Union home ministry ‘to keep an eye on such developments in Punjab’, saying that it would been better for the state if the BJP leader had sought the Centre’s support in keeping any eye on the fresh spurt of terrorist movement, as well as smuggling of weapons, in Punjab.

PM MODI TO INTERACT WITH FARMERS TODAY, TOP MINISTERS TO CAMP ACROSS COUNTRY

December 25, 2020, 5:30 am

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers are leaving no stone unturned to reach out to farmers across the country with a message that the new farm laws are only meant to benefit them. Keeping this in mind, PM Modi will interact with farmers from six states on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Friday, and as he would be interacting with them, several Central ministers, MPs, MLAs and BJP office bearers will be present among the electorate to further push the government’s viewpoint.

During the event on Friday, the Prime Minister will release Rs 18,000 crore as next instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme to over 9 crore farmers. He will enable the transfer of the amount through the push of a button.

Sources said several Union ministers will be in their constituencies or in other parts of the country.

Union Home minister Amit Shah and Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will listen to PM Modi’s speech in Delhi.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will listen to the PM’s interaction with farmers in Assam’s Silchar, while Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Piyush Goyal will be in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh.

Union Textiles Minister Smriti Irani will be in her constituency Amethi while Union Minister for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan will be in Jagatsinghpur in Odisha.

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is expected to be in Jaisalmer whereas Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will listen to the programme from Patna. Union Minister General (Retd) V.K. Singh will be in Ghaziabad, his parliamentary constituency.

Meanwhile, as the farmers’ agitation entered the 29th day on Thursday against the three contentious farm laws, the Central government again invited the farmer leaders to resume talks, saying it is “ready for a logical solution” to all issues raised by the farmers.

Taking cognisance of Wednesday’s letter sent by a group of 40 farm leaders under the banner of Sanyukta Kisan Morcha who are representing thousands of agitating farmers sitting on demonstration at Delhi’s different borders, the government conveyed its message through an official letter inviting them to hold a fresh round of talks as per their time and schedule.

“The Indian government again reiterates its commitment that it is ready for the logical solution of all the issues raised by the farmers’ organisations,” said the letter accessed by IANS.

Citing the government’s stand communicated through its earlier letter sent to the farmers on December 20, the fresh communique mentioned that “it is already informed that the government is ready to hold discussions with the farmers on a positive note to address their written as well as oral issues”.

In the latest letter, the government clarified that it is always ready to hold discussions with all farmer organisations as it is the responsibility of the Centre which cannot be ignored. “The government has held various rounds of discussions with the farmer organisations in the past and it has also showed its initiative to hold further talks.”

Reiterating that the government is ready to discuss all aspects and objections raised by the farmers, the government clarified that “there is no impact of the three farm laws on the purchase mechanism of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and it is informed in all rounds of talks with the farmers”.

The government also made it clear in its letter that “it is totally illogical to come up with new demands which are out of the purview of these three laws but the government is ready to discuss on these issues”.

The government again appealed to the farmers to end their protest and begin talks with the government. “The government will discuss on all the issues and objections raised by the farmers. Please provide a detailed list of your issues. The talks will be held in Vigyan Bhavan as per the specific time decided by the farmers,” the letter mentions.

There have been a total of five rounds of talks between the government and the farmers to resolve the issues raised by the protesting farmers who are seeking withdrawal of the three farm laws which were enacted in September during the monsoon session of Parliament.

WITH AGENCY INPUTS

THE FARMERS’ AGITATION AND JUDICIAL OVERLOAD

December 24, 2020, 6:07 am

Bad governance overburdens the judiciary with unnecessary and avoidable litigation. Within a fortnight, two Supreme Court benches—the first led by Justice Nageshwar Rao and the second headed by Justice Sanjay K. Kaul—indicted the government for repeatedly ignoring directions given to it by constitutional administrative bodies like the CAT on providing promotional, retirement and other pensionary service-related benefits to school and university teachers as well as personnel from the armed forces, but more for framing rules contrary to the directions issued by the court. The court also indicated a disturbing trend of the blatant defiance of courts by the government. There is no denying of the fact that the government’s inaction, obduracy and insensitivity have changed the nature of governance, which is currently so bold and graceless that the task of justice dispensation appears not just scuttled but also trivial. Regular notices on contempt proceedings are being overlooked. Does the government want to be an advocate and a judge of its actions at the same time? It is this statecraft which is applied for seeking compliance to the new farm acts.

Democratic deficit is reduced through decentralising power and honouring an independent judiciary within the principle of separation of power. But in current times, the governance lacks substance for both principles. It is not just the Central government which is defying judicial directions and contempt notices but even state governments are following this new style of governance. The Yogi government of Uttar Pradesh crossed all constitutional boundaries in slapping notices upon agitating citizens, with the latest being a Rs 50 lakh notice upon farmers who are agitating in UP against the new farm Acts (later withdrawn as a clerical error). Such notices have previously been unsuccessfully imposed in November 2019 and October 2020 upon protestors against the CAA and against police in the Hathras rape case, respectively. Protestors have been alleged to be seditionists and surreal links have been discovered to link agitators with jihadis, Khalistanis and the “tukde-tukde gang”. This has been happening even though Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Govind Mathur and Justice Ramesh Sinha warned the UP government in a suo motu cognisance of the matter right in the beginning, that the state’s action violated Article 14 of the Constitution and was an “unwarranted interference in privacy of people”, was “highly unjust”.

This new trend of governance brings a complete lack of trust towards the government, a situation which hardens boundaries and increases litigation in courts. A 2009 Delhi High Court report had found that the Indian judiciary has the highest number of pending court cases in the world and, to clear this backlog, it needs 466 years with judges working all seven days. Yet, the government has only added to avoidable litigation by ignoring decisions which could have been taken at its end by its own merit and experience. Some of the latest ones ignored and defied by the government are decisions taken by administrative institutions like the Central Administrative Tribunals (CAT) and by the courts in connection to cases on seniority, promotion and retirement and pensionary claims of school and university teachers and even serving officers of the Indian Armed Forces. One can observe the reduced functioning of institutions which have been sentinels of democracy such as the Parliamentary Committees, Environment Impact Assessment Committees, Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in both Houses of Parliament, the courts and institutional decentralisation. With the vigorous Constitution of India, the government has still been able to walk over these normative guardians through statecraft and not through governance.

The first casualty was the principle of decentralisation and separation of power. In the second Council of Ministers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, current Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar was given charge of three overloaded ministries, i.e., Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Rural Development and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj. After the resignation of Akali Dal Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal, he was also given charge of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The first three ministries have entirely different objectives and, if under different leaders, can open scope for analysis and dialogue. The Ministry of Rural Development has the fourth highest ministry-wise allocation in the Union Budget 2019-20, of Rs 1,19,874 crore. Its Department of Rural Development, which implements major developmental schemes in villages towards poverty reduction, basic services, employment generation, rural infrastructure, etc, has an allocation of Rs 1,17,647 crore, which is almost 98% of the allocation to the ministry and has a wide mandate. The only other department of this ministry which shares its balance of 2% of the funds is the Department of Land Resources, which aims to increase the productivity of degraded land and an integrated land information management system. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, with a budget allocation of Rs 900 crore, provides the largest national grassroots platform for maintaining transparency and accountability of officials. It is the strongest voice of democracy and the only platform with 33% elected women officials who lend equity in gender rights, including the Panchayat Empowerment and Accountability Incentive Scheme, Panchayat Mahila Evam Yuva Shakti Abhiyan, Rural Business Hubs as well as for Centrally Sponsored Schemes such as the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Yojana, Rajiv Gandhi Panchayat Sashaktikaran Abhiyan, etc. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries has a Rs 1,233 crore budgetary allocation for expenditures related to food storage and warehousing, the National Mission on Food Processing, etc. These post-harvest warehousing industries, which claim to provide a resilient food chain supply, have seen a sudden increase of 54% since the new farm laws have come, and have been steadily borrowing from the Rs 1 lakh crore agri-infrastructure fund launched by the Prime Minister on 9 August this year.

However, the main ministry under Tomar is the Ministry of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare, with a whopping budget of Rs 1,42,762 crore for 2020-21. This ministry has two departments, the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare and the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, which received 94% and 6% of the allocation in 2020-21, respectively. More than 78% of the ministry’s budget is proposed to be spent on three schemes under this Department: PM-Kisan (53%), launched in 2019, the Interest Subsidy Scheme (15%) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (11%). For PM-Kisan, only 6.2% of the allocated budget was spent. For the second scheme, only 36% of the approved allocation was actually disbursed and, for the third scheme, the Reserve Bank of India pointed out that, due to the lack of an institutional mechanism in settling claims and raising awareness, most farmers could not avail its benefits. The PM-Kisan scheme was originally meant for only marginal and small farmers which constituted more than 82%, but within two months, the scheme was opened to all categories of farmers, irrespective of the size of their landholdings. Also, the scheme does not cover landless agricultural labourers who constitute more than 55% of the agricultural workforce and include cultivators and labourers working in the agriculture sector. The UP and MP governments may be projecting them as poor farmers but, in reality, they are not. The official records mentioned a drastic increase of landless agricultural workers in the total agri-workforce within the last two years. The Farm Acts have kept their eyes wide shut on many of these institutional issues which needed reforms and the NITI Aayog had recommended them too.

It was easy for a minister heading four key ministry offices and holding the key to a huge amount of funds disbursed and workable facilities under other departments to seek compliance to the farm Acts. The Covid-19 experience does not allow the rural terrain to encounter any more turbulence or fear of scheme closures under many of these ministries. Irrespective of his capacity and understanding, the minister has been given control of the strings to the purses of several running schemes in villages. The lack of internal decentralisation and rising centralisation of penal action have bitten into the trust in the government. It is a tough time for the judiciary which might have to prepare for another bout of litigation on the farm Acts and issues of constitutional morality. But can this statecraft win trust?

The writer is president, NAPSIPAG Disaster Research Group, and former Professor of Administrative Reforms & Emergency Governance, JNU. The views expressed are personal.