Parliamentary Committee Supports Farmers: Farmers’ leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike at the Khanauri border for the past 28 days, has appealed to the Supreme Court to direct the central government to implement the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee has expressed support for the farmers’ demand for guaranteed Minimum Support Price (MSP). It has recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture prepare a roadmap to implement MSP guarantees. In light of this, Dallewal has written to the Supreme Court urging it to direct the central government to enact a law on MSP.
Dallewal stated, “Considering the report of the Standing Committee and the sentiments of the farmers, it is imperative to take this step.” He filed this petition on the letterhead of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha with his signature.
Why is MSP Guarantee Important?
MSP is the minimum price set for farmers’ crops. Farmers have been demanding its guarantee for a long time to ensure that traders and middlemen purchase crops at fixed prices, securing fair profits for farmers. Without an MSP guarantee, middlemen often exploit farmers by purchasing their crops at arbitrary prices. Farmers believe that guaranteeing MSP is essential to strengthening the rural economy.
Since November 26, Dallewal has been staging a hunger strike at the Khanauri border in Punjab and Haryana. Farmers are also protesting at the Shambhu border. Despite multiple attempts to march to Delhi, they were stopped by the Haryana administration. Meanwhile, farmer leader Gurnam Chaduni has called a meeting of farmer leaders to discuss the recommendations of the Parliamentary Standing Committee.
Dallewal’s Health Deteriorates
Continuous hunger strike has taken a toll on Dallewal’s health. Doctors have reported a weakened immune system, putting him at risk of infection. His blood pressure has been fluctuating, causing dizziness and fainting spells.
In solidarity with Dallewal, farmers have announced a nationwide candle march at 5:30 PM on December 24. On December 26, when his hunger strike completes one month, symbolic hunger strikes will be held at tehsil and district levels from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Parliamentary Committee’s Perspective
The Parliamentary Standing Committee believes that enacting a law to guarantee MSP will expand agricultural opportunities and strengthen the rural economy.
