Debt Waiver To 200 Work Days Under NREGA: What Protesting Farmers Are Demanding This Time

As the 'Delhi Chalo' march gains speed, security precautions at the Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders have tightened.

Representational Image.

Source : PTI

Protesting farmers launched their 'Delhi Chalo' march today to pressure the centre to meet their demands. The most pressing of these requests is the passage of legislation that guarantees a minimum support price (MSP) for crops, which is a critical lifeline for farmers facing market uncertainty. Other major causes of disagreement include the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, compensation for farmers slain in Lakhimpur Kheri, and the dropping of proceedings against individuals participating in the farmers' movement. While an agreement was achieved on these matters after midnight, the farmers remain staunch in their determination, claiming that the government's pledges made two years ago have not been kept.

The meeting with the Union Ministers on Monday indicated the centre's willingness to dismiss lawsuits filed against farmers during the 2020-21 agitation, which addressed one of the farmers' demands. However, the farmers insist on a formal guarantee for MSP, emphasizing its importance as a key component of their requests.

Know Farmers' Demands

• Full debt forgiveness for farmers and laborers.
• Implementation of the Land Acquisition Act of 2013, which includes conditions for written permission from farmers before acquisition and compensation at four times the collector rate.
• Punishment for the culprits of the October 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri murders.
• India should leave the World Trade Organization (WTO) and suspend all free trade agreements.
• Pensions for farmers and farmworkers.
• Compensation for farmers killed during the Delhi protest, including a job for one family member.
• The Electricity Amendment Bill 2020 should be abolished.
• 200 (rather than 100) days of employment under MGNREGA each year, with a day salary of Rs 700, and the plan should be tied to farming.
• Strict penalties and sanctions for corporations who manufacture counterfeit seeds, insecticides, and fertilizers.
• Advances in seed quality.
• National commission for spices such as chili and turmeric.
• Ensure rights of indigenous peoples over water, forests, and land.
• Implement MS Swaminathan's recommendations. 

As the 'Delhi Chalo' march gains speed, security precautions at the Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri borders have tightened. The Delhi police have taken extreme steps, including installing nails beside barriers and blocking the route with cranes and earthmovers, in order to prevent protesting cars from entering the city.