Centre to Hold Meeting with Punjab Farmers on February 14 to Discuss Legal Guarantee for MSP

The Centre has scheduled a meeting with Punjab's protesting farmers on 14 February in Chandigarh. This aims to address their demands, particularly the legal assurance of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops. Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for 54 days, agreed to receive medical assistance after the meeting was announced. However, he will continue his fast until a legal guarantee on MSP is provided.

Farmers' Health and Government's Response

Images of Dallewal receiving intravenous medical aid were shared by the farmers. The breakthrough occurred after Union agriculture ministry officials, led by Joint Secretary Priya Ranjan, met with Dallewal and representatives of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha Non-Political and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM). These groups have been leading the protest for 11 months. The Centre's delegation urged Dallewal to accept medical help so he could participate in the upcoming discussions.

At the Khanauri protest site, Ranjan explained that a high-level delegation was dispatched due to concerns over Dallewal's health. "We enquired about his health and held a meeting with the representatives of the protesting farmer bodies," he stated. The meeting is set for 5 pm at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration in Chandigarh.

Previous Meetings and Future Plans

A letter addressed to Dallewal, SKM Non-Political, and KMM confirmed the meeting details. It mentioned that previous discussions with these groups occurred on 15 February 2024 in Chandigarh. The letter expressed hope that Dallewal would recover soon and join the talks. Four prior meetings between Union ministers and farmers last year ended without resolution.

Earlier, farmers at Khanauri and Shambhu border points received a proposal from the central government for discussion. A Punjab government team, including retired police officials Jaskaran Singh and Narinder Bhargav, participated in talks with farmer leaders. Farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar noted that 14 February was chosen for the meeting due to Delhi Assembly polls and the Model Code of Conduct being active until 9 February.

Dallewal's health has deteriorated significantly; he struggles to consume water and has been vomiting. Doctors have warned of potential severe consequences. Before accepting medical aid, Dallewal sought consent from 121 other fasting farmers. Initially, 111 farmers joined him in solidarity, followed by 10 more.

Protest Background and Farmers' Demands

Dallewal, convenor of SKM Non-Political, began his indefinite hunger strike on 26 November last year at Khanauri border point. His protest supports various demands, including MSP legalisation. Farmers reported that Dallewal hasn't eaten since then, surviving only on water. His weight dropped from 86.9 kg to 66.4 kg during this period.

Farmers under SKM Non-Political and KMM have camped at Shambhu and Khanauri borders since 13 February last year. Security forces prevented them from marching to Delhi to press their demands, including MSP legalisation for crops.