Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) on Thursday announced two nationwide campaigns. Their aim is to put pressure on state governments to oppose the proposed India-US trade deal, demand the dismissal of Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal and amend the GST law to restore the financial autonomy of states. SKM said delegations comprising members of its state and national committees will meet chief ministers and opposition leaders in all states. In this meeting, the farmers will demand calling a special assembly session to pass resolutions on the issues raised by the organization.
Requested state governments not to sign trade agreement
SKM, in a memorandum, urged state governments to request the Center not to sign the trade deal with the US, which it described as an ‘anti-national’ agreement. It demands dismissal of Piyush Goyal for ‘betraying the interests of farmers’ and withdrawal of the Union Finance Ministry’s letter asking states to end bonus payments on wheat and paddy. India and the US earlier this month agreed on a framework to finalize an interim trade deal, under which Washington will reduce tariffs to 18 per cent. This framework will need to be converted into a legal document to sign and implement the first phase of a bilateral trade agreement.
Demand to repeal labor laws and VBGRAMG Act
SKM also demanded repeal of all four labor laws and the VBGRAMG Act and restoration of the rural employment guarantee law under the now-repealed Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREG Act). Calling agriculture a state subject under the Constitution, SKM said states should make laws to guarantee minimum support price (MSP) at 2+50 per cent for all crops and ensure assured procurement. Along with this, comprehensive loan waiver should be given to deal with rural debt and farmer suicides.
