Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel has penned a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to remove the restrictions imposed on farmer bonuses. Baghel’s appeal comes after fellow farmer protest supporters voted out Republican lawmaker Kevin McCarthy from his role as House Speaker, marking a unique and unprecedented showdown in US history.
In his letter, Baghel emphasizes that it is the rightful entitlement of farmers to receive their due bonus amounts. He cites that bonuses for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16, totalling ₹3,700 crores, were withheld due to restrictions imposed by the central government. These restrictions were placed on bonuses for agricultural produce, disrupting the disbursement of these vital funds to farmers. The promise made to farmers in 2013, which included purchasing every grain and providing a bonus of ₹300 per quintal, was left unfulfilled.
Furthermore, Baghel highlights that in 2013-14, the previous government procured rice at the minimum support price of ₹1,350 per quintal. However, in May 2014, upon the formation of the central government, restrictions were imposed on bonuses for agricultural produce, resulting in the non-payment of bonuses for the years 2014-15 and 2015-16. The ban on bonuses was lifted for the year 2016-17 in response to farmer protests.
These developments underscore the ongoing struggles and demands of farmers, both in India and the United States, for their rights and fair compensation for their agricultural contributions.