The Left-affiliated AIKS has strongly criticized the decision to appoint Shivraj Singh Chouhan as the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, citing his involvement in the Mandsaur incident where six farmers were killed. The AIKS also denounced the government's recent decision to release the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi, calling it an inadequate distraction from the farmers' demand for a fair minimum support price. The NDA government's insensitivity towards the farmers' struggles is evident in these actions, and the AIKS has vowed to continue fighting for their rights.
PM Kisan and AIKS Criticism: An Analysis
Background
The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM Kisan) is a government-sponsored scheme that provides income support to small and marginal farmers in India. The scheme was launched in 2019 under the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government.
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) is a left-affiliated farmers' organization in India. It is one of the largest peasant organizations in the country, with a presence in over 20 states.
AIKS Criticism of Shivraj Singh Chouhan's Appointment
In 2022, Shivraj Singh Chouhan was appointed as the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The AIKS strongly criticized this decision, citing Chouhan's alleged involvement in the 2017 Mandsaur incident, where six farmers were killed during a protest.
The AIKS accused Chouhan of being "anti-farmer" and of failing to address the concerns of the farming community. The organization also questioned the government's decision to not appoint a farmers' representative to the post of Agriculture Minister.
AIKS Criticism of PM Kisan Release
Recently, the government announced the release of the 17th installment of PM Kisan Nidhi. However, the AIKS denounced the move as an "inadequate distraction" from the farmers' demand for a fair minimum support price (MSP).
The AIKS argued that the PM Kisan scheme provided only a paltry sum of Rs. 2,000 per year to farmers, which was far below their actual production costs. The organization demanded that the government increase the MSP for agricultural produce to ensure better returns for farmers.
FAQs
1. What is the PM Kisan scheme?
The PM Kisan scheme is a government-sponsored scheme that provides income support to small and marginal farmers in India. The scheme provides a direct benefit of Rs. 2,000 per year to eligible farmers.
2. Who is eligible for the PM Kisan scheme?
Small and marginal farmers with a landholding of up to 2 hectares are eligible for the PM Kisan scheme. The scheme also covers farmers who do not own land but cultivate land on lease.
3. How do I apply for the PM Kisan scheme?
Eligible farmers can apply for the PM Kisan scheme online on the official PM Kisan website or through their nearest Common Service Center (CSC).
4. What are the benefits of the PM Kisan scheme?
The PM Kisan scheme provides income support to small and marginal farmers, which helps them meet their expenses related to farming and household activities. The scheme also aims to reduce the incidence of farmer suicides.
5. How effective is the PM Kisan scheme?
The PM Kisan scheme has been praised by some farmers for providing much-needed income support. However, critics argue that the scheme is inadequate and fails to address the root causes of farmer distress.
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