News Brief
Farmers' Convention In Jalandhar: Here Is The Latest List Of Demands
Farmers protest against new laws. (representative image)
Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), a coalition of over 500 farmers' organizations, is set to host its national convention on 16 January in Jalandhar.
As reported by The Hindu, the gathering aims to address the concerns of farmers and workers, focusing on issues such as unemployment, inflation, poverty, indebtedness, and rural migration exacerbated by what they term as pro-corporate economic policies of the BJP-led Narendra Modi government.
Around 1,000 delegates representing constituent organizations from across the nation are expected to participate in the convention.
As per the statement by SKM, the primary objective is to shed light on the 'adverse' impacts of the government's economic policies on the farming community and the general populace.
The SKM asserts that despite claims of robust GDP growth and the nation's ascent to a three-trillion-dollar economy, these achievements conceal a decline in per capita income, widening income inequality, and the government's failure to ensure a minimum support price for farmers and minimum wages for workers.
Expressing disappointment over the lack of progress on assurances made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi two years ago, the SKM emphasises the non-fulfillment of promises, including the implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, debt waivers for farmers, and the prevention of electricity privatization.
The Pradhan Mantri Fazal Bima Yojna, designed to provide insurance and compensation for farmers affected by natural disasters, is also criticized for allegedly prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of farmers and agriculture.
The national convention is expected to serve as a platform for farmers' leaders to strategize against the BJP in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Support Swarajya's 50 Ground Reports Project & Sponsor A Story
Every general election Swarajya does a 50 ground reports project.
Aimed only at serious readers and those who appreciate the nuances of political undercurrents, the project provides a sense of India's electoral landscape. As you know, these reports are produced after considerable investment of travel, time and effort on the ground.
This time too we've kicked off the project in style and have covered over 30 constituencies already. If you're someone who appreciates such work and have enjoyed our coverage please consider sponsoring a ground report for just Rs 2999 to Rs 19,999 - it goes a long way in helping us produce more quality reportage.
You can also back this project by becoming a subscriber for as little as Rs 999 - so do click on this links and choose a plan that suits you and back us.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
