SKM Urges Farmers to Back Nationwide Strike Against Government Policies
In a significant development, the Sanyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM), a prominent farmer organization, has issued a call to action for farmers across India to support the all-India general strike scheduled for Thursday. This strike, organized by various trade unions, aims to protest against a series of legislative measures that the unions argue will adversely affect workers and farmers alike.
Key Demands Behind the Strike
The trade unions are mobilizing support to demand the withdrawal of four Labour Codes, the Electricity Bill 2025, the Seed Bill 2025, and the VB-G RAM G Act 2025. Additionally, they are advocating for the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme and the implementation of minimum wages for workers. The platform of agricultural workers unions and the NREGA Sangharsh Morcha has also announced its support and participation in protest demonstrations nationwide.
The SKM has emphasized the need for people to resist what it describes as new attacks launched by the BJP government on farmers, workers, and common citizens. According to the farmer body, the Electricity Bill 2025 will lead to increased electricity rates for farmers and domestic users, introduce peak hour charges, and mandate the installation of smart meters.
Specific Concerns Raised by SKM
The organization has highlighted several specific issues with the proposed legislation. The VB-G RAM G Act, which would replace the MGNREGA, is criticized for undermining the role of gram sabhas in deciding work for rural populations. The new Seed Bill is opposed for allowing the free import of seeds from multinational corporations (MNCs), which SKM argues could harm local agriculture.
Furthermore, the SKM has expressed strong opposition to all free trade agreements, labeling them as a blueprint for economic colonization. The group claims these agreements deny basic rights such as minimum wage for workers, minimum support price (MSP) for farmers, and employment opportunities for unemployed youth.
Allegations of Government Surrender to External Pressures
In a bold statement, the SKM accused the government of surrendering India's sovereignty and self-reliance to the United States. The farmer body alleged that the finance ministry has instructed state governments to withdraw bonuses given for paddy above the limited MSP based on the A2+FL rate, halt procurement, and weaken the public distribution system. These actions, according to SKM, are under pressure from the US administration to avoid non-tariff barriers for importing US products.
The SKM also claimed that the government has consciously failed to execute an agreement on enacting a law for MSP at C2+50% for all crops with guaranteed procurement, complete loan waivers, and the right to electricity. This failure is attributed to duress from the World Trade Organization (WTO), MNCs, and the domestic corporate sector.
Unity and Mobilization for the Strike
The upcoming all-India general strike and protest demonstrations are seen as a rallying point to forge worker-farmer unity across India. The SKM believes that this collective action will mobilize farmers, workers, and all sections of society against what it perceives as corporate-driven attacks on livelihoods and the right to live.
As the strike approaches, the SKM's call to action underscores the growing tensions between agricultural communities and government policies, setting the stage for widespread demonstrations and potential disruptions across the country.
