Daijiworld Media Network
Udupi, Feb 4: The All-India Agriculture Workers’ Union organized a press meet on Tuesday February 3 at Press Club here regarding the ‘Vidhana Soudha Chalo’ movement which will be held on Tuesday February 10 in Bangalore to regularize the Udyoga Khatri Scheme.
AIAWU state unit president Nityanandaswamy said, “The ‘Jatha’ began from Basavakalyana of Bidar district on January 25 and will end on February 10, in Bangalore demanding that the Udyoga Khatri Yojana be made permanent. Members are now across 10 districts such as Bidar, Gulbarga, Raichur, Koppala, Ballari, Gadag, Dharwad, Uttar Kannada, and Udupi.”
Further, he added that the central government is trying to constrict farmers’ welfare through the irregular Udyoga Khatri Yojana. “The BJP government has cut down 50 percent in grants. Now, the Yojana is limited to 2,500 taluks instead of 6,576 taluks in the country. The ratio of 60:40 is fixed for coolie’s wage and equipment, but now the government has been instructed to spend on the basis of a 51:49 ratio. So, this will lead to malpractices in machinery and finances,” added Nityanandaswamy.
He added that we can prevent migration of farmers by strengthening the employment scheme. “The centre has invited foreign corporators by extending a red carpet. Ordinance on the Land Acquisition Act is really objectionable,” added Nityanandswamy and criticized the promotion of foreign investment in the Indian market. He added that farmers depend on agriculture for their livelihood.
Speaking to the media, he said, “We had put pressure for implementing welfare schemes and to protect farmers’ interests. In the 2014 budget, there were not many developmental statements. Around 50 taluks have faced land complications out of 20 districts.”
“The farmers’ unions demand immediate withdrawal of ordinance on the Land Acquisition Act, provide fundamental prerequisites, and to reserve minimum 20 percent of funds for welfare of all farmers in the 2015-16 budget,” added Nityanandaswamy.
Venkatash Koni, vice-president, M Basavaraj Kammara Bellary, Chikka Venkataramanappa, Chikkaballapur, were present.