AIKS Dharna Against Land Bill on Sept 2

PUDUCHERRY: The Puducherry Agriculturists’ Association, affiliated to the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), would picket Central government offices in five places here on September 2, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the Land Acquisition Bill.

Association general secretary T Geethanathan said a decision to this effect was taken at a joint meeting of the agriculturists associations here recently.

He said the other demands included implementation of progressive land reforms and national land utilisations policy, provision of a minimum pension of Rs 3000 to agriculturists/agricultural labourers and artisans, who were in penury.

Geethanathan said the Leftist associations  also sought the protection of agricultural lands from corporate, land mafias and real estate owners, compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the families of farmers who committed suicide, strengthening of the PDS and supply of all essential commodities through the PDS.