Farmers have started converging at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan for the ‘Kisan Garjana’ rally to demand various relief measures from the government. Over 55,000 farmers from various parts of the country are expected to reach Delhi on Monday for the rally being organised by the Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), an affiliate of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The protest is being organised from 11 am to 6 pm to seek various relief measures to improve the condition of farmers.
A note issued by the organisers — Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), a branch of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — said “the government will face trouble if it did not heed the farmers’ demand in time”.
It said farmers are reaching the Ramleela Maidan from across the country in buses, tractors and motorcycles to demand remunerative prices for their crops based on the input cost.
Traffic movement is likely to be affected in parts of central Delhi on Monday due to the rally. Delhi Traffic police have issued an advisory for commuters as around 50,000 to 55,000 people are likely to arrive at the ground in 700 to 800 buses, and 3,500 to 4,000 private vehicles.
Delhi Traffic Police Advisory
According to the advisory, the diversion points are Maharaja Ranjeet Singh Marg, Mirdard Chowk, Minto Road, Ajmeri Gate, Chaman Lal Marg, Delhi Gate, JLN Marg, roundabout Kamala Market to Hamdard Chowk, Bhavbhuti Marg and Paharganj Chowk, it said.
It said that the traffic restrictions, regulations or diversion may be imposed on Ranjeet Singh flyover from Barakhamba Road to Guru Nanak Chowk, from Minto Road to roundabout Kamla Market, Vivekanand Marg, JLN Marg (Delhi Gate to Guru Nanak Chowk).
As commuters going to New Delhi, Old Delhi, and Nizamuddin Railway Stations and Inter State Bus Terminal (ISBT) could encounter delays, they should plan their travel accordingly, the advisory said.
Other parts that may also be subjected to similar regulations include the roundabout Kamla Market to Guru Nanak Chowk, Chaman Lal Marg, Ajmeri Gate towards Asaf Ali Road and Paharganj Chowk and roundabout Jandewalan, Desh Bandhu Gupta Road to Ajmeri Gate on Monday from 9 am onwards.
Commuters are advised to avoid the mentioned roads and stretches. They are also advised to avail public transport to help decongestion of roads. “Park your vehicles only at designated parking lots. Avoid roadside parking as it causes hindrance to normal flow traffic,” the advisory added
Why Are Famers Protesting?
The protest is aimed to draw the government’s attention towards profitable price, GST, and genetically modified (GM) crops among other issues being faced by Indian farmers. Additionally, the BKS is also demanding an appropriate export policy.
The farmers have also called for a rollback of GST on all kinds of farming activities and the permission for commercial production of genetically modified crops.
Criticising the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government for its agriculture policies, Mohini Mohan Mishra, all-India general secretary of BKS said that a time when India is celebrating ‘Amrit Mahotsav’, there are still problems with food grains and with the one who produces it.
“Even after 75 years of independence, farmers are still waiting for justice. At least they should get a remunerative price on a cost basis”, said Mishra, according to a report by The Hindu.
The BKS leader alleged that the schemes and planning of the Centre are anti-farmers. “Our rally aims to open the eye of the government. We will see if it happens with the peaceful rally. Else, we will explore other ways,” he told The Hindu.
They are also pushing the Centre to increase the financial support provided under the PM-Kisan scheme. Launched in December 2018, an income support of Rs 6,000 per year in three equal installments is provided to all land holding farmer families under the scheme.
Mishra criticised the Centre’s ‘Kisan Samman Nidhi’ scheme and said that in 2019, Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi was Rs 6,000. “This is way less in today’s circumstances,” it added.
Read all the Latest India News here
Comments
0 comment