Latest news with #Ekta-Ugrahan
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Punjab: Not MSP, low input cost is Ugrahan group's focus now
Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan), a farm body based in Malwa belt of Punjab that has the largest support base in the state, has sidestepped from seeking a hike in the minimum support price (MSP) for all crops. Now, Joginder Singh Ugrahan-led BKU is seeking reduction in input cost, such as fall in prices of diesel, agro-chemical, pesticides, seeds and the other key inputs for agriculture. A former vice-chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, who didn't wish to be named, said, 'The change is cause of concern because the farm bodies which have been at the forefront are backstepping.' The BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) had led a year-long farm protest on Tikri (Haryana-Delhi) border in 2020 against the now-repealed three farm laws because of its sheer strength and the rest of the farm bodies were at Singhu borders. During another year-long protest by BKU (Ekta-Sidhupur) led by Jagjeet Singh Dallewal and Kisan Mazdoor Sangarsh Committee led by Sarwan Singh Pandher at Shambu and Khanauri border points, the BKU (Ugrahan) though offered support from outside but stayed away from active participation. At both the protests, increase in the MSP remained the key focus. Since AAP government took over in the state in March 2022 Ugrahan-led farm body has held a series of meetings with chief minister Bhagwant Mann for acceptance of farmers' demand. The central theme of the meeting was MSP on all crops and as a legal guarantee. According to Ugrahan, beyond a point, the increase in MSP can't be sought as it will lead to increase in prices of foodgrain, making it out of the reach of poor and marginal classes. According to the farm bodies other than the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), the fall in prices of inputs for agriculture is next to impossible as the central government has no direct control over petrol/diesel, agro chemicals and pesticides, as corporate control these inputs. BKU (Dakounda) Jagmohan Singh general secretary has said the demand of the farm bodies has always been MSP hike on all crops and any deviation means back stabbing the farmers. 'All factions should stick to the demand for hike in MSP as per MS Swaminathan's recommendation for 50% profit over the input cost,' said Jagmohan Singh. Meanwhile, Ugrahan justified his group's stand, stating, 'Not only farmers, we have to think about all the sections of society, particularly the poor. In case there is an increase in MSP, it will lead to inflation. So to benefit the farmers, the cost of agriculture inputs should be kept under check.' On being asked about the changed stance of the BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan), he said the scenario has changed. 'We have to adjust to the changing scenario, but we will continue to fight for the farmers' welfare,' he added. The BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) has been maintaining a low profile for about two years and is only engaged in symbolic protests. 'We will soon come out with a plan for a long drawn protest for the rights of the farmers,' the group stated.
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Farm forum halts land consolidation exercise over ownership dispute in Bathinda village
1 2 Bathinda: Farmer organisation BKU (Ekta-Ugrahan) stopped an attempt by the district administration to launch a consolidation exercise to demarcate the entire landholding of Jeond village over ownership dispute on (Ekta-Ugrahan) leaders Jhanda Singh Jethuike and Shingara Singh Mann said that the district administration came prepared with police force and drones. They started the exercise, but when opposed, the officials stopped work and returned with the assurance that a meeting would be arranged with the Bathinda deputy commissioner on conflict between original owners (landlords) and 'mujaras' (tillers) concerns nearly 2,151 acres of land. While the landlords want a one-third share under the 'Ala Malik Adna Malik' Act prevalent in the early 1950s amounting to 717 acres, the tillers argue they have been tilling the land for the last 107 years and will not relinquish any part of farmer organisation supported the cultivators and decided to proceed along the lines of the Pepsu Mujara Lehar (movement for obtaining ownership rights for tenants) of the original owners approached the Punjab and Haryana high court. A bench, in its order on April 24, 2023, directed the authorities to complete the consolidation within six weeks. When it was not done, the petitioners filed a contempt of court petition on Dec 15, 2023. The court, in its order on Jan 8, 2025, directed the authorities to prepare and complete the revenue records, followed by the initiation of consolidation proceedings by Jan 30, 2025. It also directed that the secretary, department of revenue, Punjab, join the proceedings via video-conferencing on the fixed date. If unable to provide a justifiable explanation, an amount up to Rs1 lakh would be ordered to be paid from his/her own pocket as litigation cost to the petitioner for delaying the proceedings in the contempt petition, the court said. When the administration went for consolidation demarcation on Jan 20, 2025, the farmers opposed it, leading to a administration then prepared to conduct demarcation through drones to prepare 'murabbas' (a part of land measuring 25 acres) and further demarcate up to 1 acre or even less if there are more shareholders in the specified measurement of 120995260 413 |MSID:: 120995260 413 |
