Farmers and workers protest against anti-farmer and anti-labour policies

Kadapa – Andhra Pradesh: In response to a nationwide call by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), farmers’ associations, trade unions, agricultural labour unions, and tribal organizations staged a protest at the Kadapa Revenue Division Office (RDO) on Wednesday. The demonstration, led by Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Union (AIKS) Kadapa District President MV Subbareddy, demanded an end to anti-farmer and anti-labour policies.

Demand for policy reforms

Addressing the gathering, AITUC and CITU District General Secretaries L Naga Subbareddy and B Manohar, along with Farmers’ Union leaders Pothireddy Bhaskar and Dastagiri Reddy, condemned the policies of the NDA government. They accused the central administration of neglecting farmers, workers, and tribals while implementing labor reforms that undermine workers’ rights.

They called for the immediate repeal of the four new labour codes that replaced 44 existing labour laws, asserting that the new codes weaken labour rights. Protesters also demanded the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations, which propose a minimum support price (MSP) based on the formula of C2+50, ensuring fair compensation for farmers.

Key demands of the protesters

Immediate waiver of all farm loans, including those of tenant farmers.
Reinstatement of the 44 labour laws that were replaced with the four labour codes.
Equal pay for equal work across all labour sectors.
Allocation of 200 workdays per year for agricultural labourers under the employment guarantee scheme.
Prevention of privatization of public sector enterprises that impact labor and rural employment.
Protection of tribal rights under the 1-70 Act, ensuring land security and welfare schemes.

Leaders warn of intensified agitation

Speakers at the protest, including AITUC District Deputy General Secretary KC Badulla and Agricultural Workers’ Union (BKMU) District General Secretary C Subrahmanyam, warned that if the government continues its anti-farmer and anti-labour stance, large-scale agitations will be launched nationwide.

Several leaders and activists took part in the demonstration, including Andhra Pradesh Farmers’ Association District Executive President T Manohar Reddy, CPM City Secretary Rammohan Reddy, AITUC City President Subbarayudu, Farmers’ Association District Vice Presidents Katta Yanadaiah and E Bala Chandraiah, and Tribal Unity District President Brahmam.

Leaders of various organizations, including CPI, AIYF, and pensioners’ associations, also joined the dharna, expressing solidarity with the farmers’ movement. They emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of farmers, laborers, and tribal communities.