A Story of Farmers, Rights, and the Balancing Act of Democracy

Dear Policy Pals,

From the fight for independence to contemporary social movements, protests have served as a powerful tool for challenging the status quo and demanding a better future. They are about holding those in power accountable, ensuring that the voices of the unheard are amplified.

Sure, protests can be inconvenient. They can disrupt traffic, grab headlines, and even challenge deeply held beliefs. But that's exactly why they're so important. They force us to confront uncomfortable truths, to listen to different perspectives, and to engage in critical conversations about the kind of society we want to build.

The second round of farmers' protests serves as a powerful reminder that the journey towards a just and equitable society is continuous. It necessitates active participation from citizens, open communication from the government, and a commitment to finding solutions that address the concerns of all stakeholders.

Come learn more about it with me! I'm Jazreen Deboo and every two weeks, I bring you stories of policies with a purpose through three sections of this newsletter - (1) Once Upon a Time (storytelling), (2) Comic Relief (memes and cartoons) and (3) Padho aur Badho (thematic book recommendations).

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Once upon a time...

Beneath the relentless sun, a sea of colorful turbans surged towards the capital city. This wasn't a market day, but a day of dissent. Farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh had converged on February 13, united by a perceived threat to their livelihood.

The government, they claimed, was pushing through new laws that they believed would tilt the scales in favor of powerful corporations, leaving small-scale farmers vulnerable. They were at risk of being overshadowed by the cold grip of market forces. The government, on the other hand, argued that the new laws were intended to modernize the agricultural sector and improve efficiency, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders.

Reaching the city gates, they encountered a different reality. Barricades, like metal teeth, barred their entry. Lines of police officers stood guard, their presence a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play. As the farmers pressed forward, their chants morphing into demands, a menacing hum filled the air.

Then, a swarm of buzzing drones descended from the sky, casting ominous shadows on the crowd. These weren't ordinary drones; they were equipped with canisters filled with tear gas. Panic erupted as the drones blanketed the once vibrant protest in a suffocating haze. Farmers, their eyes watering and lungs burning, stumbled back, clutching makeshift cloths to their faces.

The air, once heavy with anticipation, now reeked of tear gas and despair.

The story of the farmers' protest is a stark reminder that the right to dissent is a cornerstone of a democracy. It is a reminder that navigating complex societal issues often requires balancing diverse perspectives, seeking solutions that address the needs of all stakeholders, and upholding the principles of peaceful dialogue and democratic process.

The government, in a bid to quell the rising tide of dissent, proposed a five-year plan to procure certain crops at minimum support prices. While a welcome step, it fell short of addressing the broader concerns of the farmers.

So what are the farmers asking for?

In the 2021 protests, the farmers achieved a significant victory by forcing the government to repeal three controversial farm laws. These laws, which aimed to liberalize the agricultural sector, were seen by many farmers as detrimental to their livelihoods and potentially exploitative.

The farmers successfully pressured the government to withdraw the three farm acts:

• The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020
• The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance Farm Services Act, 2020
• The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020

In this round (2024), there are 12 clear demands:

• A legal framework guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for all their crops, providing stability and protection against market fluctuations
• Monthly pension of Rs. 10,000/- for farmers above 60 years old
• Fair wages for agricultural work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• Implementation of Swaminathan Committee recommendations
• Better integration with the agro-industry to bypass middlemen and secure direct market access.
• Withdrawal of cases registered against them during the previous protest in 2020-21.
• Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri violence
• Minimum profit of 50% over their production costs to ensure a sustainable livelihood.
• Loan waivers
• Withdrawal from the World Trade Organization, citing concerns about its impact on their livelihoods

The Current Standoff

Farmers are demanding a legally guaranteed MSP for all crops, transparent calculation methods, and efficient procurement mechanisms to ensure they receive fair returns for their labor.

MSP is a government-declared price at which it promises to buy certain crops from farmers to ensure they receive minimum returns for their produce. This price support mechanism aims to protect farmers from price fluctuations and market uncertainties.

Government's Response

The government has expressed reservations about enacting a guaranteed MSP law, citing concerns about fiscal implications and potential distortions in the agricultural market. They have, however, proposed alternative measures like increasing procurement of certain crops at MSP under contract farming arrangements.

It's understandable that the government faces challenges in implementing a guaranteed MSP for all crops. Concerns about fiscal burden, market distortions, and logistical complexities require careful consideration.

However, while acknowledging these complexities, it's crucial to recognize the fundamental right to protest enshrined in Article 19(1)(a) and Article 19(1)(b) of the Indian Constitution. These articles guarantee the freedom of speech and expression and the right to assemble peacefully and without arms, respectively. The use of excessive force and repressive measures against individuals peacefully advocating for their rights, including farmers protesting for a fair MSP, raises serious questions about upholding democratic principles.

Comic Relief

Padho Aur Badho

This interactive graphic novel by the Quint beautifully takes us through the events of the 2021 protests.

Read here:

https://www.thequint.com/quintlab/farmers-protest-timeline-interactive-graphic-novel/

The farmers' struggle may not have a clear-cut ending yet, but it has already served as a powerful catalyst for conversation and introspection. It has reminded us that the journey towards a just and equitable society is a continuous one, and that engaging in constructive dialogue, even amidst differing viewpoints, is ultimately the path towards a stronger and more inclusive democracy.

My advice to you? Don't take everything you read at face value - stay curious, and dig deeper. And hey, while you're at it, don't forget to take a moment to reflect on what you read. It's all about pausing, pondering, and connecting the content with your own observations and knowledge.

Thanks for reading! See you again with more stories of policies with purpose!

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