SKM, Central TUs Call for Nationwide Mobilisation of Farmers, Workers on Feb16

A joint statement by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and the Joint Platform of Central Trade Unions/Federations/Associations has called for a massive mobilisation of farmers and workers across India on February 16 in the form of processions, picketings, Rail Roko and Jail Bharo. 

The mobilisation is aimed at resisting and decisively defeating "the destructive, divisive and authoritarian policies of the Corporate Communal Nexus and replacing them with Pro-worker, Pro-farmer and Pro-people policies." 

The statement by the two platforms has also asked for the synchronisation of all agitations and strikes with the February 16 mobilisation. 

"We appeal to all the like-minded movements of students, youth, teachers, women, social movements and those in the field of art, culture and literature to extend support to the joint campaigns and culminating actions of the platform of Central Trade Unions and Samyukta Kisan Morcha," the statement read. 

The struggle against the government would continue until the latter accepted the demands of the movement. 

The demands include MSP@C2+50% for all crops with guaranteed procurement, Minimum Wage of Rs 26,000/month for workers, comprehensive loan waiver to small and middle farm households for freedom from indebtedness, withdrawal of four labour codes, guaranteed employment as a Fundamental Right, no privatisation of PSUs, including Railway, Defence, Electricity, among others. 

Other demands include no contractualisation of jobs, strengthening of MGNREGA with 200 days work/person/year with Rs 600 as daily wage, restoration of Old Pension Scheme, and implementation of the LARR Act 2013. 

The call for mobilisation comes after the first-ever joint All-India convention of workers and farmers on August 24, 2023. Following the convention, CTUs and SKM noted "with concern the current developments of the ruling corporate communal nexus, shamelessly siphoning off the national assets and finances to a handful of private corporates and paralysing and capturing all the institutions of Indian democracy." 

"This government is continuously carrying on barbarous onslaughts on the lives and livelihood of the toiling people as a whole and aggressively pursuing anti-worker, anti-farmer and anti-people measures through various legislations, executive orders and policy drives. It is unconstitutionally denying the rights of elected state governments. It is suppressing all democratic assertions of various sections of the people and all voices of dissent. It is continuing with the dangerous game plan of communalising the polity and constitutional institutions, utterly misusing and abusing administrative authorities and agencies. The Union Government attacks freedom of Media and shamelessly protects the criminals accused of sexual harassment by the victims, thus eroding the trust of the people in law and order."

The joint statement also supported the SKM call for a tractor/vehicle parade at the district headquarters on January 26, 2024.