In an effort to address the ongoing farmers’ agitation in Noida and Greater Noida, the Uttar Pradesh government has formed a five-member committee led by IAS Anil Kumar Sagar, Principal Secretary of Infrastructure and Industrial Development.
The committee is tasked with devising solutions to the farmers’ grievances and is expected to submit its report within one month, reflecting the government’s urgency in resolving the crisis. Other members include Piyush Verma, Sanjay Khatri, Somya Srivastava, and Kapil Singh.
Key Objectives of the Committee:
- Addressing farmers’ demands related to compensation and benefits tied to agricultural reforms.
- Exploring potential solutions for ongoing protests, including guarantees for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- Formulating recommendations for policies or actions to prevent further unrest.
Recent Protests:
Farmers, led by groups such as the Bhartiya Kisan Parishad (BKP) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), have been staging protests and attempting a ‘Delhi Chalo’ march. However, they were stopped by police barricades at various points, including the Mahamaya Flyover in Noida.
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait emphasized that solutions to their demands, including a legal guarantee for MSP, must come from the central government in Delhi. He highlighted the growing unity among farmers across states, with Punjab farmers set to join the march on December 6.
Political Reactions:
- Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad criticized the BJP-led government for neglecting farmers’ welfare. He accused the administration of lacking policies to address issues such as stray animals damaging crops and farmers’ hardships during winter.
- Farmers continue to demand comprehensive policy reforms to alleviate their struggles, with Akhilesh Yadav raising these issues in the UP Assembly.
The Uttar Pradesh police have detained several protesting farmers, including those at the Rashtriya Dalit Prerna Sthal in Noida, as part of efforts to maintain order amid heightened security.
This committee’s recommendations are expected to play a crucial role in addressing the farmers’ issues while balancing developmental goals for the Noida-Greater Noida region.