Mumbai: Farmers’ groups across the state have dubbed as ‘a cruel mockery’ the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKISAN) announced in the Union Budget, which proposes an annual deposit of Rs6,000 in the account of farmers. The Left-affiliated All Indian Kisan Sabha (AIKS) led by Comrade Ajit Nawale, the Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana (SSS) led by Raju Shetti and the Satyashodhak Shetkari Sabha of Kishore Dhamale criticised the announcement of the Union Finance Minister, Piyush Goyal and said the budget has no concrete measures to mitigate the prevailing agrarian crisis and enhance the social security of the farmers.
Goyal, in his budget speech on Friday announced a direct transfer of Rs 6,000 per year into farmers’ accounts under the PMKISAN scheme, for those farmers who own less than two hectares of land. The government claims that 12 crore farmers across the state will benefit from this proposal.Describing the budget as ‘shockingly apathetic’, Dr Nawale said that it contained no scheme based on recommendations of the Swaminathan committee, which would enable farmers to secure higher prices for their produce.
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The PMKISAN fixed income scheme was akin to rubbing salt on farmers’ wounds, said Dr Nawale. “There is no measure in this budget to combat the volatile prices of fruits, onions and other vegetables. A negligible aid of Rs 500 a month as economic assistance under PMKISAN scheme announced in the Budget is a cruel gesture to the farmers who are already distressed,” he remarked. He further said that in the wake of BJP’s recent poll debacle in five state elections, it was expected the Modi government would have the sense to take solid steps to resolve issues related to frustrated farmers.
“However, this Budget has proved extremely disappointing and put paid to hopes of farmers,” he said.Dr Nawale was the organiser of long march of farmers in March and November last year, to draw the attention of the state and centre to the agrarian crisis. Shetti, Member of Parliament of SSS, said the Modi government had betrayed farmers with this Budget, which was nothing but a sham.
Dhamale said the budget was silent on loan waiver and drought mitigation measures.“There is nothing on waiving the cost of agriculture inputs in this Budget. There is no scheme for employment generation in areas in the grip of acute agrarian distress nor is this government bothered about doing something to prevent large-scale migration to cities and stop farmer suicides,” said Dhamale.