Farmer Protest 2.0: Farmers linked with the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the non-political Samyukta Kisan Morcha are gearing up to travel from different parts of Punjab. This happens despite increased security measures at the borders of Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi, ahead of the farmers’ ‘Chalo Delhi’ protest scheduled for February 13.
On February 12, Union ministers Piyush Goyal, Arjun Munda, and Nityanand Rai are scheduled to meet with representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha in Chandigarh for discussions.
Farmer Protest 2.0
Farmers linked with Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) are moving from Punjab and Haryana to Delhi. They want important changes, mainly a law ensuring a minimum support price (MSP) for crops to tackle market uncertainties.
Farmer Protest 2.0 Demands
Farmers are rallying for several crucial demands in Farmer Protest 2.0:
- Guarantee a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops as per the Dr. Swaminathan Commission’s suggestions.
- Set up a comprehensive debt relief program, including forgiving all debts for farmers and laborers.
- Reinstate the Land Acquisition Act of 2013 nationwide, ensuring farmers’ consent in writing and offering compensation four times the collector rate.
- Ensure justice for affected farmers in the Lakhimpur Kheri massacre and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Exit the World Trade Organization and pause all free trade deals to protect domestic agriculture.
- Introduce a pension plan for farmers and farm workers to ensure financial stability in their later years.
- Provide compensation and job opportunities for families of farmers who lost their lives during the Delhi agitation.
- Oppose the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure fair access to electricity.
- Strengthen the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to offer 200 days of work annually at a wage of Rs 700 per day, integrating it with farming activities.
- Impose strict penalties on companies producing fake seeds, pesticides, and fertilizers, while enhancing seed quality standards.
- Establish a national commission dedicated to spices like chili, turmeric, and other aromatic crops to support and encourage their cultivation.
Farmer Protest 2.0 Impact on Punjab
Reports indicate that the government has addressed numerous farmer demands, withdrawing over 3077 out of 3300 cases. Only 98 cases remain in court, with 53 pending withdrawal, constituting a mere two percent.
While compensation has been provided in many instances, issues persist regarding establishing immediate family relations for next of kin.
Union Ministers have assured farmers they will be exempt from the Electricity Act and affirmed the government’s stance against counterfeit seeds and pesticides.
However, the primary concern revolves around MSP. With Lok Sabha elections nearing, both state and central governments aim to avoid conflict with farmers. Despite efforts, finding common ground seems challenging. BKU leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal stated, “Our demands have long been pending, and there’s no room for compromise now.” Nevertheless, talks with the government are still on the table.
Parties like AAP and Congress have thrown their support behind protesting farmers. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the Haryana government for obstructing the farmers’ ‘Delhi Chalo’ march with barricades and wires, likening it to creating a border between Punjab and India.
Around 20,000 farmers from Punjab and 1500 from Haryana are participating in the protests. Some detained farmers will be held in stadiums temporarily. Additionally, CAPF deployment in Haryana aims to maintain order.
While protests are a democratic right, causing inconvenience and threatening to block Delhi with tractors is concerning, as per a senior officer’s statement to India Today.
However, an internal report accessed by India Today reveals recurring protests in Punjab, suggesting harm to the state’s interests.
Punjab, once prosperous, now faces economic collapse due to prolonged protests. The aftermath of the 2020-21 agitation continues to affect the state, with organizations claiming to support farmers exacerbating their plight.
As Punjab grapples with past farmer protests’ repercussions, a new wave of demonstrations scheduled for February 13 threatens to worsen the state’s situation, impacting its populace negatively.
Punjab’s Economic Challenges
Punjab’s economy, once thriving, now struggles due to prolonged unrest. Its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is below the national average, and achieving double-digit growth has been difficult for the past five years. Persistent revenue deficits, averaging about 70%, have worsened in recent years, pushing Punjab into a cycle of debt and endangering its financial well-being.
Farmer Protest 2.0 FAQs
Q.1. What is Farmer Protest 2.0?
Ans. Farmer Protest 2.0 refers to the renewed agitation by farmers demanding changes in agricultural laws, including guaranteed minimum support prices (MSP) and debt relief.
Q.2. What are the key demands of the protesting farmers?
Ans. Key demands include MSP assurance for crops, debt forgiveness, justice for the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, and opposition to certain bills affecting farmers.
Q.3. How is Punjab affected by the protests?
Ans. Punjab faces economic challenges due to prolonged unrest, affecting its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and fiscal health.
Q.4. What is the government’s response to farmer demands?
Ans. The government has withdrawn numerous cases and assured exemption from certain acts but faces challenges in addressing MSP concerns.
Q.5. What is the impact of the protests on Punjab’s future?
Ans. The protests exacerbate Punjab’s economic struggles, hindering its growth and financial stability, posing challenges for the state’s populace.
