Farmers Accuse Government of Failing to Honor Commitments, Warn of Statewide Protest !
Ludhiana | Prime Vista News
Farmers under the banner of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have intensified pressure on the state government, accusing it of failing to fulfil commitments made to the farming community. On Thursday, members of the union staged a protest outside the residence of MLA Sanjeev Arora, warning that a statewide agitation could follow if their demands are not addressed promptly.
The protesting farmers alleged that the government has not acted on several key assurances, including pending payments for agricultural produce, compensation for crop losses, and the withdrawal of police cases against farmer leaders. During the protest, KMM leaders also submitted a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister, outlining their demands and expressing growing dissatisfaction among farmers and agricultural labourers.
Key Demands Raised by Farmers
The KMM leadership reiterated its opposition to the privatisation of the power sector, calling for an immediate rollback of any such moves. The union also demanded the cancellation of seed trade agreements with foreign corporations, arguing that these agreements threaten the interests of local farmers and agricultural sovereignty.
In addition, the farmers urged the government to enforce stricter pollution control laws to protect the state’s environment and agricultural land, which they said is increasingly under threat due to unchecked industrial and commercial activities.
In the other news, a Canadian Professor’s digital agriculture initiative is bringing a global vision to Punjab Agricultural University.
Compensation and Support for Affected Families
Highlighting the plight of families who lost members during previous farmer protests, the union demanded government jobs and financial assistance for their dependents. The memorandum also called for full compensation for crop damage caused by natural calamities, stressing that delayed or inadequate relief has left many farming families in distress.
KMM leaders emphasised that the government must provide written and time-bound assurances to rebuild trust. “The growing frustration among farmers and labourers is a serious issue affecting social stability,” said Dilbagh Singh, president of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. He warned that the state government would be responsible for any unrest arising from continued neglect of farmers’ concerns.
Opposition to Proposed Electricity and Seed Bills
The protesting farmers also demanded the withdrawal of the Centre’s draft Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the draft Seed Bill, 2025. According to the union, these proposed legislations pose a direct threat to farmers’ livelihoods.
Another union leader alleged that the Electricity Amendment Bill aims to promote centralisation and privatisation of the power sector, primarily benefitting corporate interests. “This Bill is even more dangerous than the three farm laws, as farming cannot survive without affordable and reliable electricity,” he said.
The leader further claimed that the government is systematically moving towards privatising key public institutions, including Panjab University and the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), and that the proposed electricity legislation is part of the same broader agenda.
Concerns Over Rising Power Costs
According to KMM leaders, the Electricity Amendment Bill would not only impact farmers but also place an additional burden on the common public. They argued that privatisation would lead to higher electricity tariffs, reduction in subsidies, and increased costs for agricultural operations.
“The Bill promotes privatisation, increases power costs, and threatens the subsidies provided to farmers,” Dilbagh Singh said, reiterating the union’s demand for the immediate withdrawal of the proposed legislation.
Warning of Escalation
The Kisan Mazdoor Morcha cautioned that if the government fails to respond meaningfully to their demands, the agitation could be expanded across the state. The union maintained that their protest was aimed at securing long-pending justice for farmers and safeguarding the future of agriculture.
As tensions continue to rise, farmers are awaiting a clear response from the state government, insisting that timely action and transparent communication are essential to prevent further escalation.
