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members of the organising committee, said they would continue their stir till September 30, demanding that the Acts be withdrawn and take a decision after that, depending on the government's response.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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Punishment for those disrupting assembly proceedings, warns Speaker UT Khader
Belagavi: Speaker U.T. Khader on Friday warned that members who disrupt Assembly proceedings by talking in their seats during debates will be made to sit in the House for an entire day as a disciplinary measure.
The warning came after the Question Hour, when Deputy Leader of the Opposition Arvind Bellad was permitted to initiate a discussion on the development of North Karnataka.
At this point, expelled BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal objected, stating that he had been seeking a debate for the past three days but had not been given an opportunity.
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Responding to the objection, Speaker Khader said Bellad had already been granted permission and assured Yatnal that he would be allowed to speak at the next opportunity. He noted that even as a serious discussion was underway, several MLAs were speaking among themselves with their microphones on, disrupting the proceedings.
Expressing displeasure over the conduct of members, Khader likened the situation to football, where players receive red, yellow, or white cards for violations. Similarly, he said, the Assembly issues warning cards to members who disturb the House. If they fail to correct themselves despite repeated warnings, they would be required to remain seated in the Assembly hall for a full day as punishment, he stated.
