The Navnirman Krushak Sangathan (NKS), an organisation fighting for the cause of farmers in the State, on Monday served a 24-hour ultimatum to the State Government to announce provision of Rs 500 as bonus per quintal of paddy and Rs 2,000 as pension for cyclone Phailin-affected farmers.
Seeking civil societies’ support to press their demands before the Government, Sangathan State coordinator and Anna team member Akshaya Kumar, who has been sitting on fast-unto-death for last 15 days told mediapersons here, “Despite our repeated agitations, representations, the Government is sitting idle on our genuine demands. We warn the Government to take up the issues seriously and announce Rs 500 as bonus per quintal of paddy and Rs 2,000 as pension for all Phailin-affected farmers within 24 hours, failing which we will resort to civil disobedience stir.”
Notably, three Sangathan activists had voiced their protest in the visitors’ gallery of the State Assembly during its recent monsoon session to highlight the demands.
Among others, rights activist and former Information Commissioner Jagadananda, Kiran Sahoo of the Nagarik Samaj, economist Natabar Khuntia and journalist Rabi Das attended the Press meet and expressed their solidarity with Kumar.