Ludhiana District Unit of All India Kisan Sabha organises dharna

Ludhiana, September 2, 2013: With a demand to waive-off loans towards poor farmers, for increase in the minimum support price (MSP) and purchase by government agencies, monthly pension of Rs3000 to every man, woman, farmer, khet mazdoor and artisans  the Ludhiana District Unit of All India Kisan Sabha organised a  dharna infront of Deputy Commissioner office at Mini Secretariat here at Ludhiana today.
While addressing the dharna, Kartar Singh Bowani, Vice President of Punjab Kisan Sabha said the policies of  privatisation, liberalisation and corporisation the government has virtually stopped public spending on rural development, agriculture and irrigation. The government is not implementing the recommendations of Agriculture Commission. All the natural and state resources are being handed over to the big Corporates at the throw away prices. Small house-hold and medium industrial sector has closed in large number leading unemployment to the youth particularly the village youth.
Surinder Jalaldiwal, President said that the inputs like diesel, fertilizers and chemicals are becoming expensive. The Govt. is not giving full price and is systematically abolishing the procurement by the state agencies.
Amandeep Singh, General Secretary said that the economic level of rural people is falling. It is an irony that there is no social security in the old age for the food providers.
Other speakers criticised the anti farmer policies of the government at the centre and state for ignoring their demands which has led large number of suicides by the farmers throughout India, including Punjab.  The farmers have to face huge losses every year due to natural calamities that affect their production which are many a time destroyed. But governments do not have any policy for them in this regard to meet the loss.
The farmer organisations also warned of introduction of GM crops without safety audit. Such a move may lead to several problems for our food security and health in future.  Others speakers include Comrades Jang Singh Sirthala, Paramjit Singh, Pyara Singh Mann, Bharpur Singh, Gurnam Singh Sarpanch, Khushal Singh and Ramchand.