Rahul Wadke

The All Indian Kisan Sabha (AIKS), the farmers front of CPI(M), has again decided to hold agitation against the agriculture policies and unfulfilled promises made by the Centre and Maharashtra government by organising a march from Nashik to Mumbai on February 20.

Last year also, the AIKS had launched a similar march between the two cities.

This year, the march will commence on February 20 from Mumbai Naka, a major highway node in Nashik, and is expected to arrive in Mumbai on February 27 at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai.

State General Secretary of the AIKS, Ajit Navale, told BusinessLine that the march is a protest against the non-fulfilment of promises, which were made last year.

Thousands to take part

Nearly, 50,000 farmers, farm-labourers and tribals from 22 districts of the State are expected to take part. The march will progress towards Mumbai, gathering more force, he said.

Long list of demands

Last year, the State government had assured that 64 lakh pending farm-loan waiver applications will be handed to a State government Committee for further scrutiny. Till date, the committee has not been formed.

The AIKS has also demanded a monthly pension of ₹3,000 for widows, physically challenged persons and poor, who have no means to a livelihood.

Tribals have also been demanding allotment of forest lands, but still there is no action. Hence, the protest march has been organised, he said.

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