Amidst the ongoing farmer protests in India, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has called for a nationwide Gramin Bharat Bandh on February 16. This announcement comes after the violent clashes between protesting farmers and security forces on the first day of their Delhi Chalo march.
The Gramin Bharat Bandh, scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm on February 16, has been endorsed by various central trade unions as well. Additionally, farmers are planning to join massive chakka jams on main roads across the country from 12 pm to 4 pm on the same day. In Punjab, most state and national highways are expected to be closed for four hours.
The demands behind the Bharat Bandh echo those of the farmer unions leading the ‘Dilli Chalo’ movement. These demands include ensuring pensions for farmers, implementing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for crops, withdrawing the amendment of labour laws, and safeguarding against privatization and contractualization of the workforce. Furthermore, the unions are advocating for guaranteed employment and opposing the privatization of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
The Gramin Bharat Bandh is expected to have a significant impact on various services and sectors. Transportation, agricultural activities, and operations related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) are likely to be affected. Additionally, private offices, village shops, and institutions in the rural industrial and service sectors are expected to remain closed on February 16.
The decision to call for a Gramin Bharat Bandh was made in December, with plans to observe the day as a complete shutdown in villages. All agricultural activities, including MNREGA and rural works, are to be halted, with farmers, agricultural workers, and rural laborers refraining from work. However, it’s important to note that emergency services such as ambulance operations, newspaper distribution, and medical shops will not be disrupted during the strike. Exceptions will also be made for students traveling for board exams and essential ceremonies like weddings.
The nationwide strike is a reflection of the continued grievances and demands of farmers and workers across India. The SKM and other central trade unions are using the Bharat Bandh as a platform to amplify their voices and push for meaningful reforms to address the challenges faced by farmers and workers.
The timing of the Gramin Bharat Bandh amidst the farmer protests adds another layer to the ongoing agitation against the government’s agricultural reforms. The movement has garnered significant attention both domestically and internationally, with farmers steadfast in their demands for the repeal of the contentious farm laws.
The unity among farmer unions and their collaboration with central trade unions highlight the widespread discontent and the growing momentum of the protest movement. By calling for a nationwide strike, the SKM aims to exert pressure on the government to address the concerns of farmers and workers and ensure their rights and livelihoods are protected.
As the Gramin Bharat Bandh approaches, all eyes are on the outcome and the impact it will have on government policies and public discourse surrounding agricultural reforms and workers’ rights in India. The resilience and determination of the protesting farmers serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of grassroots movements in shaping the future of the country’s agricultural sector and labor laws.