SKM to Restart Farmers' Protests at 100 Locations from November 26
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has announced it will restart farmers' protests at 100 locations across India, including Delhi, starting November 26. This date marks the sixth anniversary of the year-long farmers' protest that led to the repeal of three farm laws in December 2021. The protests aim to press for a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other demands.
Background
The SKM is an umbrella organization of farmer groups that led the anti-farm laws agitation five years ago. The previous protest culminated in the repeal of the three farm laws in December 2021. The new protests are planned to begin on the sixth anniversary of that movement.
Key facts
SKM will restart protests at 100 locations, including Delhi, from November 26.
The protests demand a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.
Other demands include repeal of all free trade agreements and no India-US FTA.
A comprehensive loan waiver to address rural indebtedness is also demanded.
SKM also demands scrapping of four labour codes.
They seek a minimum wage of Rs. 31,000 for all workers and restoration of the previous rural job guarantee scheme.
Withdrawal of Electricity Privatisation Bill 2025, Seed Bill 2025, and NFSA Amendment Bill is demanded.
The protests also oppose forceful land acquisition.
P Krishnaprasad of All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) said the protest will not be called off until all seven principal demands are achieved.
The movement aims to unite workers, farmers, students, youth, women, and other sections against corporate attacks under the NDA regime.
Prelims pointers
- Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) is an umbrella organisation of farmer groups.
- Three farm laws were repealed in December 2021.
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a government-guaranteed price for agricultural produce.
- Four labour codes were introduced by the government.
- Electricity Privatisation Bill 2025, Seed Bill 2025, and NFSA Amendment Bill are mentioned.
- NFSA stands for National Food Security Act.
- All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) is a constituent of SKM.
- Jantar Mantar in Delhi is a protest site.
- The protest anniversary is November 26.
Mains angles
- Discuss the significance of MSP legal guarantee in Indian agriculture.
- Critically examine the impact of free trade agreements on Indian farmers.
- Analyse the role of farmer unions in shaping agricultural policy in India.
- Evaluate the government's response to farmers' demands and its implications for rural economy.