SKM Urges MPs to Advocate for Shift Away from Centre’s ‘Corporate-Centric’ Policies in New Memorandum Submission

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) is poised to intensify its advocacy for agricultural reforms by submitting a memorandum to Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) between August 17 and 25. This initiative aims to address what the SKM describes as a “corporate-centric” development policy that undermines the interests of farmers and the working populace. The memorandum represents a collective effort by farmer representatives who will be traveling from villages to engage directly with elected officials, urging them to exert pressure on both central and state governments to enact policy changes aligned with their demands.

The timing of this memorandum coincides with heightened civic engagement, as evidenced by the SKM’s recent nationwide ‘Jail Bharo’ campaign, highlighting its strategic mobilization across diverse stakeholders, including workers, students, and women. This campaign underscores a growing sentiment among various social groups against policies perceived as favoring corporate interests over agrarian and labor welfare. Moreover, SKM has signaled that a more extensive movement could be mobilized if their demands are disregarded, specifically marking November 26 as a critical date for a renewed struggle, commemorating the anniversary of the historic farmers’ protest.

In addition to immediate policy shifts, the memorandum also addresses the overarching governance structure, advocating for an increase in the state’s share of the divisible tax pool from the current 31 percent to 50 percent. This proposition aims to empower states in addressing the agrarian crisis and fostering agricultural-based industrialization. Collectively, the SKM’s initiatives are signaling a potential shift in agricultural governance and labor policies, reflecting a grassroots response to perceived inequities in national development strategies that favor corporate over local interests.

Source: Hindustan Times

(Expert Note: This report was prepared by the Wealthova team.)