Scrap labour codes, demand farmer unions
The President of India has been urged to fulfil promises made to farmers. This demand was made during a massive protest dharna held by Central Trade Unions and the Samyukt Kisan Morcha in Ludhiana today.
The protest was held to mark the fourth anniversary of the historic farmers’ movement. The movement, which began on November 26, 2020, saw thousands of farmers from across the country gather on the Delhi borders to protest against the three farm laws. The movement, which lasted for over a year, resulted in the repeal of the laws.
The protesters demanded that the government should provide a legal guarantee for the minimum support price (MSP) for all crops, scrap four labour codes and stop the privatisation of public sector undertakings. They also demanded that the government should provide a pension of Rs 10,000 per month to all farmers above the age of 60 years.
The protesters demanded that the government should provide a bonus of Rs 500 per quintal to farmers who had sold their paddy at the MSP. They also demanded that the government should take action against owners of rice shellers who had “looted” farmers.
Members of the All India Kisan Sabha 1936, All India Trade Union Congress, Jamhoori Kisan Sabha Punjab, Centre of Indian Trade Unions Punjab and the All India Kisan Federation participated in the protest. Protesters also submitted a memorandum to the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, through the Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner.
