Farmers, unions call for ‘Gramin Bharat Bandh’ on February 16 | All you must know

Amid the ongoing farmers’ protest at Delhi borders, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), along with central trade unions, has called for a Gramin Bharat Bandh (nationwide strike) on February 16 to raise their demands to the central government.

SKM has called on all like-minded farmer organizations to unite and join a nationwide strike after violence broke out on Tuesday when farmers in Punjab and Haryana were intercepted by Delhi police at the adjoining borders.

Gramin Bharat Bandh February 16

The nationwide strike called Gramin Bharat Bandh is scheduled to begin on February 16 from 6 am to 4 pm. Apart from the Bharat Bandh, agitated farmers will also participate in a massive Chakka jam on the main roads from 12 noon to 4 pm. Meanwhile, most of the state and national highways in Punjab will be closed for four hours on Friday.

what might be affected

In view of the nationwide strike called by farmer unions on February 16, transportation, agricultural activities, MNREGA rural works, private offices, village shops and rural industries and service sector establishments are likely to remain closed.

Emergency services such as ambulance operations, newspaper distribution, marriages, pharmacies, and students taking exams will not be affected during the strike.

What are the needs of farmers?

Two years after farmers staged massive agitation in Punjab, farmers have once again demanded a law guaranteeing minimum support price (MSP) for their agricultural produce.

Additionally, farmers have also sought strengthening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), reviving old pension schemes and ensuring pension and social security for all in the formal and informal sectors.