Farmers across Karnataka begin 10-day protest against amended APMC & KLRA Acts
Bengaluru: Hundreds of farmers from across the state began a 10 day protest here on Monday against the recent amendments to the Karnataka Land Reforms Act and the Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee Act.
The farmers, who have come together under the banner 'Aikya Horata', held aloft banners, placards, posters and flags at a key junction here, leading to traffic jams.
Vinay Sreenivsa, one of the members of the organising committee, said they would continue their stir till September 30, demanding that the Acts be withdrawn and take a decision after that, depending on the government's response.
A farmer's leader Manjula Pujar lashed out at the government for the 'anti-farmer' amendments and alleged that these amounted to corporatisation of the agriculture sector.
"It is the farmer who is feeding the country. If his interests are hurt, then it will affect every citizen of India," she said.
The amendment to the KLRA enables anyone to purchase land from farmers, removing the earlier condition that they alone are allowed to buy agricultural land.
The APMC Act amendment enables farmers to sell their produce to private players as well, not limiting them to sell only to the APMCs.
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Tree planting now mandatory for arms licence in UP's Mathura, says DM
Mathura (UP), Apr 9 (PTI): In a novel step towards environmental conservation, the administration in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district has made planting trees a mandatory requirement for obtaining, renewing or transferring arms licences.
According to an official release issued by the District Information Department, applicants will now be required to plant 10 trees either on private land or on public land anywhere within the district. The application must be submitted along with geo-tagged proof of the plantation, the release said.
District Magistrate Chandraprakash Singh, who introduced the measure, said the new condition will be applicable in addition to all previously-existing conditions for acquiring arms licences.
"This move is aimed at encouraging citizens to contribute meaningfully towards environmental protection while fulfilling their personal needs," he said.
"The responsibility for maintaining and protecting these trees will also lie with the applicants themselves," Singh added, emphasising that public participation is key to ensuring the survival of the planted saplings.
District Information Officer Prashant Suchari shared the details of the initiative on Wednesday and called it an important step in raising awareness about environmental preservation.
"This initiative not only aligns with administrative responsibilities but also reinforces the collective duty of citizens toward sustaining the environment," he said.
