Punjab farmers stage protests against Bill

Farmers and agricultural workers held demonstrations in parts of Punjab on Thursday, demanding withdrawal of the 2025 Electricity Amendment Bill, among other demands.

The farmers held demonstrations under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and submitted memorandums to the Deputy Commissioners of the districts in support of their demands. The farmer union has warned the Central and State governments that they will resort to ‘rail roko’ from December 20 if their demands are not met.

“The responsibility for the ‘rail-roko’ agitation will lie with Punjab and the Central government. The Central government is constantly attacking the federal structure of the country and interfering with the jurisdiction of the States, but the Punjab government remains silent for its own narrow political interests,” said Sarwan Singh Pandher, senior leader of Kisan Mazdoor Morcha.

He added that the Electricity Amendment Bill, 2025 introduced by the central government will not be allowed to be implemented under any circumstances and the Punjab government should pass a resolution against this bill in the State Assembly.

Appropriate compensation

He said they were waiting for appropriate compensation after the massive damage caused to lands, crops and houses in the recent floods. “An amount of ₹1 crore should be given to the family of each deceased, while 100% amount should be given for damaged houses. Compensation for damaged crops should be provided immediately and entire loans of flood-affected farmers should be waived,” Mr. Pandher said.