HP: Preparations to Mobilise Workers and Farmers for April 5th Rally
TO mobilise workers and farmers for the upcoming rally on April 5th in Delhi against the pro-corporate BJP-led central government, the Himachal Kisan Sabha and CITU have jointly launched a massive door-to-door campaign with a target of reaching 50,000 households across the state. So far, more than a thousand village-level meetings have been held in far-flung areas of the state to raise issues and mobilise people for the rally.
The campaign was initiated with a state-level convention in Mandi on January 8, 2023, which was attended by nearly 140 worker-farmer activists from all parts of Himachal Pradesh. The state convention set a goal of reaching more than 50,000 households across the state by conducting door-to-door campaign. Following this, district-level conventions were held in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Kangra, Chamba, Sirmaur, and three blocks of Hamirpur district, with over 1,300 farmers and workers taking part. CITU and Kisan Sabha held district-level joint meetings in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Kangra, Solan, Una, and Sirmaur to plan the campaign. Additionally, a special week-long campaign was launched on March 27 in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) industrial area, targeting over 10,000 workers.
On March 15, state-wide demonstrations were held to raise the demands of workers and farmers. Massive mobilisation was witnessed in nine districts and 26 block headquarters, with over 4,400 farmers and workers participating. More than 2,500 farmers and workers are expected to participate in the April 5th rally in Delhi.
The positive response received by the campaign indicates widespread resentment among people as they are bearing the brunt of the overall price rise and large-scale unemployment. Workers are raising concerns about the implementation of labour laws, EPF, and overtime policies.
Apple orchardists are showing strong support for this campaign, as for the first time their issues will be raised at the national level under the joint banner of AIAFF and AIKS on April 4th Jantar Mantar demonstration and during the second Mazdoor Kisan Sangharsh rally on April 5. The main issues they are raising include the lower Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) compensation, demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP), and an increase in import duties.
The existing procurement system has resulted in very low paddy and wheat procurement in Himachal, and farmers are demanding MSP for off-season vegetables and fruits, which constitute more than 63 per cent of the total crop production in Himachal Pradesh, similar to Kerala. Additionally, crop losses due to adverse weather conditions, stray cattle, and wild animals are major concerns for Himachal farmers. The lack of employment opportunities in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and stricter rules are also exacerbating the difficulties faced by rural people.
