Will we find a solution? The joint voice of farmers and workers resonated till Delhi
Farmers and laborers are protesting nationwide on 26 November 2024 regarding their problems and 12 point demands. This memorandum has been sent to the President and an appeal has been made to pay attention to the problems of laborers and farmers. Raising their voice against the policies of the government, the protesters are demanding solutions on major issues like MSP law, abolition of labor code, stopping privatization and women empowerment.
INDC Network: Farrukhabad, Uttar Pradesh: Will we find a solution? The joint voice of farmers and labourers echoed till Delhi
Agrarian and labour crisis: Why the need for protests?
On 26 November 2024, workers and farmers organizations observed protest day regarding their problems and demands. The aim of the joint mobilization of workers and farmers is to question the policies of the government and draw attention towards their solution.
The movement has its background in the 2020 farm law protests and demonstrations against the labour codes. Although the farm laws were withdrawn, the promises made to farmers are yet to be fulfilled.
Growing crisis due to government policies
The main reasons for the crisis for farmers and labourers are as follows:
| the problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Lower MSP hike | Crop costs are increasing by 12-15% every year, while MSP is increasing by only 2-7%. |
| The growing impact of privatisation | Privatisation of sectors like railways, electricity, education and health is threatening self-reliance. |
| Cut in subsidies | Food subsidy was cut by Rs 60,470 crore and fertilizer subsidy by Rs 62,445 crore. |
| Labor code problems | The four labour codes are eliminating minimum wages, secure employment and the right to form unions. |
Main demands: 12 point agenda
The protesting workers and farmers are agitating for the following 12 major demands:
| Demand | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. MSP guarantee | Legally guaranteed MSP for all crops under the C2+50% formula. |
| 2. Repeal of Labor Code | Repeal the four labor codes and ensure employment for all. |
| 3. National Minimum Wage | ₹26,000 monthly minimum wage and ₹10,000 pension for all workers. |
| 4. Debt Relief | Comprehensive loan waiver for farmers and farm labourers. |
| 5. Stopping privatisation | Stopping privatisation of railways, power and other public sector undertakings. |
| 6. Ban on agricultural corporatisation | Digital Agriculture Mission and ending agreements with multinational companies. |
| 7. Land rights | Implementation of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act and Forest Rights Act. |
| 8. Reforms in MNREGA | 200 days of work and ₹600 daily wages under MNREGA. |
| 9. Crop Insurance | To implement a comprehensive insurance scheme for farmers and tenant farmers. |
| 10. Pension Scheme | ₹10,000 monthly pension for everyone from the age of 60. |
| 11. Eliminate social divisions | Eliminate divisive policies and end violence against women and children. |
| 12. Sugarcane price increase | The support price of sugarcane should be made ₹ 500 per quintal. |
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Mobilization against government neglect
The protesters are alleging that the government did not follow the agreement reached with the United Kisan Morcha on 9 December 2021. Despite the demand letter passed in the first All India Mazdoor-Kisan Mahaadhiveshan (24 August 2023) held at Talkatora Stadium, the government did not pay attention.
severity of the crisis
| Crisis area | Effect |
|---|---|
| Starvation and malnutrition | 36% children are malnourished, 57% women suffer from anemia. |
| The effect of inflation | The prices of LPG, diesel, petrol and other essential commodities increased. |
| Growing migration | Rural youth forced to migrate to cities due to agricultural crisis. |
- Through this memorandum, the protesters are appealing to the President to intervene to solve these problems and change the anti-labor-farmer policies. This movement is an attempt to make the government accountable on these issues.
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