SKM Critiques Union Budget for Paving Way to Agriculture Corporatisation

The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) criticised the Union Budget, claiming it will lead to the corporatisation of agriculture. They also alleged that it reintroduces provisions from the repealed farm laws. During a virtual press conference, SKM leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the budget presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

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SKM leaders stated that the budget lacks measures to improve farmers' conditions. Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait remarked, "There is nothing for farmers in the Budget. It is the same as last year...". The SKM plans to burn copies of the Budget as a form of protest.

Concerns Over Natural Farming

Ashish Mittal from the All India Kisan Maha Sabha (AIKMS) voiced concerns about the budget's focus on natural farming. He warned that training one crore farmers for natural farming could reduce production, citing Sri Lanka's food crisis as an example. "A similar move in Sri Lanka had led to the food crisis there," he added.

Jai Kisan Andolan leader Avik Saha echoed these concerns, stating that farmers are almost invisible in the Budget. He noted, "It is trying to give a backdoor entry to the farm laws." SKM leaders believe these measures will harm farmers and benefit corporations.

Financial Packages and Mandi System

Rakesh Tikait mentioned that while Bihar received financial packages, the agriculture sector was ignored. He highlighted the absence of provisions for creating a robust mandi system in Bihar. SKM leaders argue that such omissions reveal a bias against farmers and workers.

In a statement following the press conference, SKM said the Budget would corporatise agriculture at the expense of farmers and workers. They claimed it undermines state governments' rights, violating India's federal structure. SKM called for unity among all sections of society to protest against the Budget.

Tax Exemptions and Loan Waivers

SKM criticised tax exemptions for multinational corporations (MNCs) while ignoring demands for wealth and inheritance taxes. They pointed out that 67 per cent of GST is collected from 50 per cent of the poor population. "This is not acceptable to the farmers of the country," SKM said.

The organisation also questioned why no loan waivers were provided for farmers. They highlighted that despite the Reserve Bank of India transferring Rs 2,10,874 crore as surplus to the Union Government for 2023-24, comprehensive loan waivers were neglected. According to official records, 31 farmers commit suicide daily in India.

Appeal for Protests

SKM urged farmers across India to campaign and protest in villages by burning copies of what they termed an anti-people pro-corporate Budget. They emphasised that debt waivers totalling Rs 14.46 lakh crore were given to corporate houses over ten years, with another Rs 10.2 lakh crore being processed through Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

The organisation demanded amendments to the GST Act to restore state governments' taxation rights. They also reiterated their long-standing demand for MSP at C2+50 per cent formula with guaranteed procurement, which they claim has been ignored in this Budget.

SKM's call for widespread protests aims to unite various sections of society against what they see as an unfair Budget. They believe collective action is necessary to address these grievances and push for changes that benefit farmers and workers alike.