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A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the Centre and Punjab government representatives to immediately meet Dallewal, who has completed over 17 days of fast.

'Adopt Gandhian way of protest': Supreme Court orders medical aid to farmer leader on indefinite fast

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the Centre and Punjab government representatives to immediately meet Dallewal, who has completed over 17 days of fast.

Observing protesting farmers should adopt the Gandhian way, the Supreme Court on Friday ordered immediate medical aid to farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, whose health is deteriorating owing to his indefinite fast of over a fortnight at a Punjab-Haryana border.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan directed the Centre and Punjab government representatives to immediately meet Dallewal, who has completed over 17 days of fast.
&ldquo;Farmers should not get violent and do peaceful agitation. They should adopt the Gandhian way of protests because their grievances are being looked into,&rdquo; the bench said after being informed that violent agitations had created problems at both sites. The court further asked to provide him with medical help and persuade him to break his indefinite fast saying his life was precious.
&ldquo;It is the bounden duty of the state of Punjab and union of India to take all peaceful measures and provide adequate immediate medical aid to Dallewal without forcing him to break the fast unless it is imperative to do so to save his life,&rdquo; the bench said.
The top court said it was a harsh winter and the agitating farmers at the Shambhu and Khanauri borders should not get violent and disrupt highway traffic.
The apex court said a high-powered committee constituted by it, which was stated to be doing a good job, would talk to the protesting farmers and make recommendations to the court which eventually be put to the stakeholders for a decision.
&ldquo;We should not pass any order, which is very difficult to implement. It is the stakeholders, which will ultimately have to make a decision,&rdquo; the bench said.
The protesting farmers, it said, could temporarily shift the venue and clear the highways or perhaps even temporarily suspend the ongoing agitation with a view to enabling the committee to make its recommendation followed by due consideration by the stakeholders.
It observed the member secretary (high-powered committee) was present in the court and had assured in its next meeting it would persuade the farmers in the light of the court&rsquo;s suggestions to temporarily suspend the protest or shift to another venue.
The bench directed the committee to file a short status report to this effect.
During the hearing of the matter, one of the counsels handed over media reports where it was stated Dallewal, a senior citizen, was on an indefinite fast for the last 17 days and his health was deteriorating.
It directed, &ldquo;In this regard the DGP, Punjab and his officers along with the representative of the Centre, if it helps in diffusing the crisis, may immediately meet Dallewal and other farmers leaders who are sitting at the dharna to convince them that the priority as of now should be to provide the adequate emergent medical aid to Dallewal.&rdquo; Justice Kant told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh to immediately do whatever was needed in this regard.
When Singh tried to highlight the issue of over 2,000 farmers surrounding Dallewal, the bench said Punjab government officials were on the ground talking to him, and therefore, efforts should be made to persuade him to end his fast.
&ldquo;Your officers have direct access to him. They are in a position to have direct dialogue and communication and even other farmer leaders who are sitting with him. They will also realise that the life of Dallewal is more precious than anything else,&rdquo; the bench said.
It went on, &ldquo;Agitations will start, continue and then stop. In the future also there will be agitations but a person like him, who is providing them with statesmanship, providing them leadership, his life is more important than anything else. As of now, all of them should join hands with you to ensure that his life is saved.&rdquo; The bench indicated if a need arose, Dallewal could be shifted to PGIMER in Chandigarh or any other hospital in Patiala.
The court would look at the shifting of the farmer leader to a hospital on December 17.
Dallewal has been on an indefinite fast at the Khanauri border between Punjab and Haryana since November 26 to press the Centre into accepting the agitating farmers&rsquo; demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) on crops.
Farmers under the banner of Samyukta Kisan Morcha (non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been camping at Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13 after their march to Delhi was stopped by the security forces.
The Haryana government set up the barricades on the Ambala-New Delhi National Highway in February after it was announced that the farmers would march to Delhi in support of their demands, including a legal guarantee of MSP for their produce.
In its interim report, a Supreme Court-appointed panel on farmers&rsquo; grievances listed reasons for agrarian distress which among others include stagnant yield, rising costs and debts and an inadequate marketing system.
The high-powered committee, constituted on September 2 under former Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Nawab Singh to resolve the grievances of farmers agitating at the Shambhu border, suggested solutions including examining the possibility of giving legal sanctity to MSP and offering direct income support.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Editorji News Desk and is published from a syndicated feed.)

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said the movement would spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari even as the centre sought to divide them based on caste, religion, region and language.

Farmers vow to intensify protest against Centre, even through Lok Sabha polls

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said the movement would spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari even as the centre sought to divide them based on caste, religion, region and language. 

Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait said the movement would spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari even as the centre sought to divide them based on caste, religion, region and language.

Thousands of farmers on Thursday participated in the "Kisan Mazdoor Mahapanchayat" at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan where a resolution was passed to intensify the protest against the Centre's policies regarding the farming sector and to continue the stir during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
This was perhaps the biggest gathering of farmers in the national capital after their agitation at Delhi's borders ended in 2021 following the repeal of the three contentious farm laws by the Centre.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), an umbrella body of farmer organisations that spearheaded the 2021 protest, adopted the resolution to "intensify the fight against the policies of the Union government to save farming, food security, land and livelihoods of the people".
It also vowed to continue its stir during the upcoming Lok Sabha polls if its demands are not met, according to the resolution.
Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Rakesh Tikait told reporters, "We held a meeting here and a message has gone to the government that farmers of our country are united. The government should talk to us to resolve the issue. This agitation is not going to stop anytime soon and it will spread from Kashmir to Kanyakumari." Tikait said the government wants to destroy the country by turning the farmers into labourers.
"They have already ended the 'mandi' system in Bihar and now they want to do it across the country. This way, they want the farmers to become labourers," he said.
He also said the government wants to break the unity of farmers by forming different farmers' unions.
"They want to divide us based on caste, religion, regionalism and language," he charged.
Krantikari Kisan Union leader Darshan Pal, who also participated in the mahapanchayat, said the demands of the farmers have been neglected for years.
"We have been holding agitations since 2021 and their charters have already been sent to the president and the prime minister but nothing has happened so far," he said.
"Today, we discussed the same issues and again informed the farmers who came here from various parts of the country about our demands. We also passed a resolution to continue our agitation and target the policies of BJP during the election period as well," he added.
Pal also showed his displeasure over the limited gathering permitted by the Delhi Police at the Ramlila Maidan.
"We were not allowed to come to Delhi. The permission for the 'mahapanchayat' was given at the eleventh hour with several restrictions like only 5,000 farmers could come. The farmers were not allowed to go to gurdwaras and they were also stopped at railway stations," he claimed.
The farmers also raised slogans against the Union government at the protest venue. Several women farmers also joined the protest.
There were yellow, red, blue and white coloured flags that were carried by different farmers signifying their affiliation to different farm unions.
The farmers from states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and West Bengal had come for the mahapanchayat.
The Delhi Police had made elaborate arrangements for the farmers' mahapanchayat to be held smoothly. They had also issued a traffic advisory for commuters to avoid the roads leading to central Delhi.
The number of paramilitary personnel deployed at Delhi's borders was also increased as the farmers were asked not to come to the capital with their tractor-trolleys, officials said.
The police had given permission to the farmers to hold the event on the condition that there would not be a gathering of more than 5,000 people, though about 10,000 farmers managed to reach the venue.

Haryana Police said they would send the names of protesters identified through CCTV footage and drone cameras to the passport office.

Haryana seeks to cancel passport, visas of farmers involved in 'violent protests'

Haryana Police said they would send the names of protesters identified through CCTV footage and drone cameras to the passport office.

Haryana Police plan to cancel passports and visas of farmers involved in violence and destruction of public property at the state border during the 'Delhi Chalo' march, according to reports.
The police will send names of persons identified from the clashes at the Punjab-Haryana border to the passport office.
DSP Ambala Joginder Sharma in a video statement said, "We have identified persons through CCTV cameras and drone footage, who were involved in violence in Haryana in the pretext of farmers' protest. We request the Ministry and embassy to cancel their visas and passports," the officials said.
Also watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/punjab-police-registers-murder-case-in-protesting-farmer-s-death-1709178305166">Punjab Police registers murder case in protesting farmer's death</a> &nbsp; This comes a day after Punjab Police filed a murder case against an unidentified person in the death of protesting farmer Shubhkaran Singh.
Singh (21), a native of Bathinda, died of a bullet wound during clashes between farmers and Haryana security personnel at the Khanauri border point on February 21. Twelve security personnel were injured and property damaged during the incident.&nbsp;

The FIR was registered against an unknown person under sections 302 (Murder) and 114 (abettor present when offense is committed) of Indian Penal Code.

Punjab Police registers murder case in protesting farmer's death

The FIR was registered against an unknown person under sections 302 (Murder) and 114 (abettor present when offense is committed) of the Indian Penal Code.

The FIR was registered against an unknown person under sections 302 (Murder) and 114 (abettor present when offense is committed) of Indian Penal Code.

Seven days after the death of Shubhkaran Singh during clashes between protesting farmers and Haryana security personnel at the Khanauri border point, the Punjab Police on Wednesday night registered a case of murder.
Shubhkaran (21), a native of Bathinda, was killed and 12 security personnel were injured in clashes at Khanauri on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 21. The incident occurred when some protesting farmers were trying to head towards police barricades, put up to halt their "Delhi Chalo" march.
The Punjab Police has registered a case under sections 302 (murder) and 114 (abettor present when offence is committed) of the Indian Penal Code at the Patran Police station in Patiala.
The case has been registered against an unidentified person, according to the FIR, registered on the complaint of Shubhkaran's father.
According to the FIR, the place of occurrence has been shown at Garhi in Haryana's Jind district.
Khanauri is located near Jind district.
The registration of the FIR brings to an end the stalemate between the farmers and the Punjab government and paves the way for post-mortem of the body.
Farmer leaders spearheading the march were adamant that an FIR be registered before allowing the post-mortem. The body is being kept at the mortuary of Rajindra Hospital in Patiala.
Shubhkaran is likely to cremated on Thursday.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier announced a compensation of Rs 1 crore and a government job for Shubhkaran's sister.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are spearheading the agitation to press the Centre to accept their demands, including a legal guarantee on minimum support price for crops and farm loan waiver.
Farmers, mostly from Punjab, taking part in the agitation have been camping at the Shambhu and the Khanauri border points.
Farmer leaders have said the protesters will continue to camp at Khanauri and Shambhu till February 29 when the next course of action will be decided.&nbsp;

According to reports, the deceased has been identified as Shubhkaran Singh from Bathinda. The young farmer was allegedly hit by a rubber bullet.

Haryana: farmer reportedly dead in 'police action' at Khanauri border, cops say rumour

Haryana: farmer reportedly dead in tear gas shelling, cops deny

According to reports, the deceased has been identified as Shubhkaran Singh from Bathinda. The young farmer was allegedly hit by a rubber bullet.

Multiple reports say that a young farmer suffered a head injury leading to his death as the Haryana Police fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets to disperse the protesting farmers at the Khanauri border with Punjab. But the cops sent out a tweet, claiming that the reports were a rumour and no one had died.&nbsp;
The Tribune put out a picture of the deceased farmer in their live blog coverage. The newspaper noted that the 20-year-old protester was killed while 25 others were injured in police action.
The report identified the deceased as Shubhkaran Singh from Bathinda. The report said the young farmer succumbed to his injuries at Patiala's Rajindra hospital and was allegedly hit by a rubber bullet.

Haryana DGP) Shatrujeet Kapoor, in an urgent communication to his Punjab counterpart Gaurav Yadav, said the heavy earthmoving equipment may pose a threat to security forces.

Farmers 'armour' up to resume Delhi march, Haryana asks Punjab to seize bulldozers

Haryana DGP) Shatrujeet Kapoor, in an urgent communication to his Punjab counterpart Gaurav Yadav, said the heavy earthmoving equipment may pose a threat to security forces.

Haryana Police on Tuesday asked its Punjab counterparts to seize bulldozers which they say protesting farmers from Punjab have brought with them as they plan to resume their 'Delhi Chalo' from the interstate border.
The farmers were set to begin their march again on Wednesday from two points on the Punjab-Haryana border after the failure of four rounds of talks with the Centre over a legal guarantee on minimum support price (MSP) for crops.
Thousands of farmers, who began the march to Delhi on February 13, were stopped at the Haryana border itself, where they clashed with security personnel. The farmers have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri points on Punjab's border with Haryana since then.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday orally asked the Punjab government not to allow the farmers to gather in large numbers.
The court observed that tractor-trolleys cannot be run on highways according to the Motor Vehicles Act and said the farmers can go to Delhi by bus or using public transport.
Haryana Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapoor, in an urgent communication to his Punjab counterpart Gaurav Yadav, asked Punjab Police to seize all bulldozers and earthmoving equipment acquired by farmers camping at the two border points to damage barricades.
He said such equipment may pose a threat to security forces and the owners of such equipment should be strictly warned against providing them to the protesting farmers as it would "amount to a criminal act".
"It is reliably learnt that heavy earthmoving equipment including proclain (digger), JCB etc., that have been further modified/armour-plated have been acquired by protesting farmers and have been deployed at the border locations where the protesters are camping right now.
"These machines are meant to be used by the protesters to damage the barricades thereby posing serious danger to the police and paramilitary forces deployed on duty and is likely to compromise the security scenario in Haryana," Kapoor said in his communication.
Though the farmers are still over 200 km from the national capital, Delhi Police on Tuesday conducted drills to ensure that its heavily barricaded entry points are not breached.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Jimmy Chiram said there is sufficient deployment of the force, besides paramilitary personnel, at the Delhi-Haryana border.
Another officer said Delhi Police is prepared to stop the farmers at the city borders. Security personnel have been directed to not allow even a single protester or vehicle to enter the capital, he said, adding that mock security drills were conducted during the day.
Officials said areas around the national capital's three border points might witness traffic congestion on Wednesday due to road closures.
Tikri and Singhu -- two points on the Delhi-Haryana border -- are sealed with heavy deployment of police personnel and multiple layers of concrete barricades and iron nails.
If required, the Ghazipur border might also be shut on Wednesday, an official said.
Delhi Police has already stocked up 30,000 tear gas shells.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/farmers-protest-delhi-police-on-alert-at-borders-ahead-of-planned-march-1708477479698">Farmers' protest: Delhi Police on alert at borders ahead of planned march</a>

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has convened two meetings but they have not yet altered the venue or the dates for the third selection trials because of several issues

Farmers' agitation: Over 150 shotgun shooters sweat over Olympic selection trials in Patiala

More than 150 shotgun shooters are sweating over their participation in crucial national Olympic trials later this month in Patiala in the wake of the farmers' agitation and the restrictions imposed on inter-state travel.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has convened two meetings but they have not yet altered the venue or the dates for the third selection trials because of several issues

More than 150 shotgun shooters are sweating over their participation in crucial national Olympic trials later this month in Patiala in the wake of the farmers' agitation and the restrictions imposed on inter-state travel.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has convened two meetings but they have not yet altered the venue or the dates for the third selection trials because of several issues, including a "packed calendar" and the impending "announcement of the general elections".
The scores in the selection trials, to be held at the Moti Bagh Gun Club Ranges in Patiala from February 25 to March 2, "will be considered for selection of teams for Paris Olympic Games", an NRAI statement had said on January 22.
Several shotgun shooters PTI spoke to said carrying arms and ammunition by road would be a nightmare. Besides, airfares to Chandigarh have gone through the roof because borders have been sealed due to the farmers' agitation.
NRAI secretary-general Sultan Singh when asked if the federation will be able to organise the trials in Patiala given the circumstances said, "That is a very difficult question. But do we have an option, considering the (shooting) calendar, elections... I'm running against the wall." On whether the trials could be shifted to the Jagatpura range in Jaipur or the Karni Singh range in Delhi, he said the Tughlakabad range would be an issue because of the upcoming Para Shooting World Cup from March 6-15.
The Para Shooting World Cup at the Karni Singh Ranges has 24 Paris Paralympic quota places up for grabs and 500 para shooters from 52 countries are competing.
"If I shift it (trials) anywhere else, then the northern people have a problem going to south (India) and south people have a problem going to north (India). Shooters in Chandigarh will then ask, 'how do we reach Jaipur'," said Singh.
"We've already had two meetings, but what is the solution? I can't even postpone the trials because of a packed calender, and if the elections are announced, then the code of conduct will also come into play... then there can be no shipment of ammunition, no weapons can be carried," he added.
"We are totally seized of the matter, but we have no choice," he said. "I am more than welcome to any suggestions that might come up," he added.
However, a top shooter told PTI on condition of anonymity that both Jaipur and even the shooting range in Bhopal would be better options compared to Patiala given the scenario.
"The paramilitary forces at the borders will ask for a whole lot of documents... for what purpose we are carrying such large quantities of arms and ammunition. Then, the flights to Chandigarh have become very expensive as people are avoiding roads," he said.
Another shooter said, several shooters recently travelled by road to Bhopal for the second round of Olympic selection trials.
"Besides, when the NRAI talks about shooters from the south, that is only a miniscule number and they also mostly reside and train in Delhi. Most of the shotgun shooters are from Delhi and adjoining areas. So where is the problem to shift the venue," he said.
Another shooter said, the code of conduct that might come into force once the general elections are announced does not apply to sports shooters.
"We are exempted from depositing our weapons we use for sports purposes. I have never heard of shooting sports activity getting affected due the code of conduct," he added.
A trap shooter added that the Para World Cup commences on March 6 at the Karni Singh range here, while the Olympic selection trials conclude in Patiala on March 2.
"Why can't we have the trials in Delhi itself where there are far better lodging and boarding facilities and our trials will end much before the Para World Cup begins," he said.

While Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana have been entirely closed for traffic, vehicular movement is still allowed at the Ghazipur border in a regulated manner.

Traffic snarls at Delhi borders amid heavy barricading due to farmers' protest

While Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana have been entirely closed for traffic, vehicular movement is still allowed at the Ghazipur border in a regulated manner.

Traffic was affected in the border areas of Delhi on Wednesday as police erected several layers of barricades and stopped the movement of vehicles at the Singhu and Tikri borders in view of farmers' proposed march to Delhi.
While Singhu and Tikri borders with Haryana have been entirely closed for traffic, vehicular movement is still allowed at the Ghazipur border in a regulated manner.
A section of a road in a village near the Singhu border was dug up to prevent the farmers' march to Delhi.
Apsara and Ghazipur borders with Uttar Pradesh are open for traffic but there is a heavy security deployment at both.
Ankit Singh, who was travelling from Shahdara to Noida Sector-62, said the traffic movement was slightly affected at the Ghazipur border.
"I thought that the traffic might be closed and was planning to take an alternative route to reach my office. Vehicular movement was slightly affected at that border. Heavy security was deployed there," Singh said.
Police have put up barricades and placed concrete slabs on the road to prevent the protesting farmers from entering Delhi.
People had to cross the Singhu border between Delhi and Haryana on foot on Tuesday as police blocked the movement of vehicles in view of a farmers' march towards the national capital.
Hem Singh, who lives in Haryana's Karnal, said he was going to northeast Delhi to attend a wedding but his bus had to halt nearly a kilometre from the border.
"My nephew is getting married in northeast Delhi's Gokulpuri on Wednesday and we are stuck here due to traffic. The bus driver stopped the vehicle a kilometre before the border. We are walking towards Delhi and are not sure whether we will get any vehicle.
"We were aware of the farmers' march, but had no idea that we would get stuck here. I asked my wife and daughter to go back to Panipat, but my daughter is very excited to attend her cousin's wedding," he said.
Farmers demanding a law on minimum support price are marching towards Delhi after a meeting with a team of Union ministers over their demands remained inconclusive.
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha said the farmers will head to Delhi to press the Centre to accept their demands.
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/tear-gas-fired-as-farmers-gather-to-resume-delhi-chalo-protest-at-shambhu-border-1707887212910">Tear gas fired as farmers gather to resume 'Delhi Chalo' protest at Shambhu border</a>

The farmers protest clashes on Tuesday ended with a "ceasefire." However, the protestors vowed to continue their march to Delhi the next day.

Farmers to resume ‘Delhi Chalo’ march on Feb 14; over 60, including cops, injured 

The farmers protest clashes on Tuesday ended with a "ceasefire." However, the protestors vowed to continue their march to Delhi the next day.

The first day of the farmer&rsquo;s protest ended with a temporary &ldquo;ceasefire&rdquo; as the demonstrators planned to continue their march to Delhi on February 14. Farmers clashed with Haryana Police at two sites along the Punjab-Haryana border, facing tear gas and water cannons as they tried to break past barricades blocking their protest march.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal said that 60 young protestors sustained injuries in the police action. Also, Seven police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police, were brought to the Ambala government hospital. Farmers say they are ready for a long haul and come armed with six months' worth of rations and diesel.
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher on Tuesday slammed the Narendra Modi government, saying it "attacked" the farmers marching towards Delhi by lobbing multiple teargas shells at them at Shambhu border near Ambala.
Pandher at Shambhu border told reporters, "In the history of India, today is a black day. It is shameful the way the Modi government attacked farmers and farm labourers." "Even today, we say we are farmers and labourers of the country and we do not want any fight," Pandher said, as he reiterated farmers' demands of a legal guarantee to the minimum support price and debt waiver.
(With PTI inputs)
Also Watch: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/key-flashpoints-in-the-2020-21-farmers-agitation-2020-21-1707824043818">Key flashpoints in the 2020-21 farmers' agitation</a>

Farmers are demanding that the 1.5-times MSP formula should be applied on the comprehensive cost including the rent and interest foregone on the land and machinery owned by farmers and value of the unpaid labour for harvesting along with the paid-out cost

Farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' march begins; here's why farmers want Swaminathan Commission's MSP formula

<h2>Farmers are demanding that the 1.5-times MSP formula should be applied on the comprehensive cost including the rent and interest foregone on the land and machinery owned by farmers and value of the unpaid labour for harvesting along with the paid-out cost</h2>

Farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have begun 'Delhi Chalo' march demanding legal guarantee on MSP for all crops and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's formula. The farmers are also advocating for full debt waivers, pensions for farmers and laborers, and the withdrawal of cases stemming from the 2020-21 protests.&nbsp;
While the Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda emphasized the need for further dialogue, SKM (non-political) which is leading the protest has said that the government is not serious on any of their demands.&nbsp;
<h3>Legal Guarantee on MSP&nbsp;</h3>
The MSP is a minimum price guarantee that acts as a safety net or insurance for farmers when they sell particular crops. These crops are procured by government agencies at a promised price to farmers and the MSP cannot be altered in any given situation. MSP, which is an important concept used to boost the farmer's income finds no mention in any law. While the government does declare the MSP twice a year, there is no law, making MSP mandatory.&nbsp;
A legal guarantee on MSP, that would bound the government to procure all crops at the minimum support price remains the primary demand of farmers.
<h3>Swaminathan Commission's formula</h3>
Many farmers also advocate the implementation of Swaminathan Commission's formula for determining the MSP. The national commission on farmers, headed by Swaminathan, had submitted five reports - the final one on October 4, 2006 - focused on cause of farmer distress and rise in farmer suicides. He had recommended addressing these issues through a holistic national policy for farmers&nbsp;
The Swaminathan Commission had recommended three variables to determine the production cost.&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>A2: These are the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by farmers including loans for fertilisers, fuel, machinery, irrigation, etc. and cost of leasing land.</li>
<li>A2+FL: This is the estimated value of the unpaid labour for harvesting crops such as contribution of family members and others. It is in addition to paid-out cost.</li>
<li>C2: Comprehensive Cost (C2) is the actual cost of production as it takes into account for rent and interest foregone on the land and machinery owned by farmers, in addition to the A2+FL rate.</li>
</ul>
As per the Commission, the ideal formula to calculate the MSP would be:
MSP = C2+ 50% of C2
By this, the Swaminathan Commission recommended that the MSP should at least be 50% more than the comprehensive cost.&nbsp;
<h3>Current MSP formula</h3>
The government currently maintains that the MSP is 1.5 times of A2 (out of pocket expense)+FL(Unpaid labour expense). By this, the rent and interest on the land and machinery owned by farmers are excluded. The farmers are demanding that the 1.5-times MSP formula should be applied on the C2 (comprehensive) costs.
Considering this, the Government in March 2020 stated that the Production Cost is one of the main factors to determine the MSP and the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) considers all the costs in comprehensive manner.
The CACP considers both C2 (Comprehensive cost) and A2 (out of pocket expense)+FL(Unpaid labour expense) costs to determine the MSP. CACP considers the A2 (out of pocket expense)+FL(Unpaid labour expense) formula for return and C2 (Comprehensive cost) formula as a benchmark reference costs to make sure that the MSP covers the production cost.
For instance, if the recommendations are followed the MSP for wheat, which is the main Rabi crop, would be Rs 2,478 per quintal as opposed to Rs 2,275 as per the Government's formula. So with the Swaminathan committee&rsquo;s formula, the farmer would end up making Rs 203 more per quintal of wheat.
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Punjab-Haryana border has already been sealed in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to stop the marching farmers.

Police run tear gas mock drill at Shambhu border ahead of farmers' protest

Punjab-Haryana border has already been sealed in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to stop the marching farmers.

Police conducted a tear gas mock drill at the Punjab-Haryana border at Shambhu in Ambala district, ahead of farmers' 'Delhi Chalo' protest on February 13. The state borders have already been sealed in Ambala, Jind, and Fatehabad districts to stop the marching farmers.
Delhi Police has also intensified security along the Singhu, Ghazipur and Tikri borders as almost 20,000 farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh are headed to the national capital with several demands, including a law guaranteeing a minimum support price for their produce.
Large gatherings are banned across Delhi under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code for 30 days till March 12.
Centre has reached out to farmer leaders for a second round of talks to address their concerns. Junior Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda, junior Home Minister Nityanand Rai and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will hold a meeting with the union leaders.
The Centre had committed to guarantee MSP in 2021, when farmers agreed to withdraw their agitation against the now-repealed farm laws. The protest seeks to hold the government to its promise.
The farmers are also demanding implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers and loan waivers.

farmer protest

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