Farmers’ relief stunted
Posted in Blog
25.07.2009
The floods in Gujarat between 2005 and 2007 changed the course of the rivers. Land belonging to 21 lakh farmers across the state was flooded, their crops destroyed, their land no longer cultivable, and due to heavy debts owed, many of these farmers resorted to committing suicide.
In response, the government created the farmers’ relief package and allocated to it 189 crores in 2005, 216 crores in 2006 and 187 crores in 2007. But as always, not only is the government’s estimated relief insufficient but the farmers and their families have not received any compensation or assistance so far.
On 22nd July 2009, CRANTI, our non-profit organization, submitted a written appeal to the zilla development and the zilla agricultural officers on behalf of the villagers of Dhandhuka, Sanand, Bavda and Dhodka.The zilla agricultural officer informed us that the land development nigam had conducted an investigation and proposed a relief package of 22 crores which was pending approval from the state government. However the apathy of the government is evident in its laid-back attitude and delayed response.
In Vadhu, a writ was previously filed in the Gujarat High Court following which the court, in 2009, directed the State government to implement the farmers’ relief package immediately. Yet the government has not followed the High Court orders nor implemented the package.
So the farmers continue their silent struggle – against unrelenting natural conditions and against a government that has so far been unable to alleviate their suffering.
