Image Credits - The New Indian Express
Union Minister for Agriculture, Arjun Munda reaffirmed the government’s dedication to having a positive conversation with the unions representing farmers. The minister called for a discussion-friendly atmosphere, stressing the value of taking into account different points of view.
“We will keep up our efforts to have constructive conversations with the farmers’ union, as I had previously stated. Farmers’ organisations need to be aware that the law under discussion cannot be decided in a way that will allow people to criticise the current state of affairs without giving it careful thought and understanding in the days ahead,” Minister Arjun Munda stated, urging all parties involved to handle the situation with caution.
Munda additionally urged farmer’s organisations to refrain from activities that interfere with day-to-day operations, stressing the need to preserve an environment that encourages communication. He asked for assistance in making sure that the general public was not unduly disturbed and issued a warning against taking any steps that would exacerbate the situation.
Meanwhile, farmers trying to renew the ‘Dilli Chalo’ protest broke into violence at the Punjab-Haryana border near Shambhu. In an endeavour to uphold law and order, the Delhi Police has implemented Section 144, which limits the admission of tractor-trolleys and sizable gatherings.
Due to security checks and demonstrations, the continuing farmers’ protest has caused lengthy traffic congestion at the Delhi-Ghaziabad border. To control the situation, police, Rapid Action Force members, and Riot Control Vehicles are stationed at the Singhu Border in Delhi.
Twelve demands have been made to the central government by the farmers, who are led by the Punjab Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and Sanyukt Kisan Morcha. These include a bill that forbids debt in full, a pension plan for farmers and agricultural workers, and a minimum support price (MSP) guarantee for all commodities.
The protesters are also demanding the restoration of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, which would guarantee farmer permission and compensation four times the collector rate, and the repeal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2020. Justice for those responsible for the killings in Lakhimpur Kheri, financial support for the families of farmers killed in the 2021 protests, and employment possibilities for family members are among the other demands.
Furthermore, under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), which is related to farming, farmers are requesting 200 days of employment per year and a day wage of Rs 700.
