Central, state governments anti-farmer, say Leftists

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 19

The Leftist organisations, Himachal Kisan Sabha, CITU and Kisan Khetihar Mazdoor Union, today staged a protest in front of the DC office demanding the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission for farmers and a minimum pay of Rs 18,000 per month for the lowest rung.

Addressing protesters who were here to mark Kisan-mazdoor-khetihar mazdoor divas here today, HKS president Dr Kuldip Tanwar, CITU leader Jagat Ram and Vijender Mehra alleged that the NDA government at the Centre had initiated anti-farmers, anti-workers and anti-agricultural policies that had led farmers to commit suicide in the country. The government has no implemented the recommendations of the Swamnathan commission which has recommended to give profitable price to the farmers for their produce and adequate irrigated land for cultivation, he added.

Dr Tanwar charged even the state government had launched an anti-encroachment campaign evicting small farmers by cutting the green apple trees and disconnecting water and electricity connections.

The state government has suppressed the workers’ agitation in hydropower project in Kinnaur and has abolished posts in government jobs, claimed CITU leader Jagat Ram.

The left organizations demanded a minimum monthly pay of Rs 18000 for lowest rung, 200 days long employment under MNREGA, social security pension.