Farmers to protest GST hike today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 31 2022: Coordinating Body of Trade Union, Manipur has fully prepared for farmers' protest against hike of GST on essential items and in pursuance of various other demands at Irabot Bhawan, BT Road here on Monday.

The main demands of the farmers' protest include increase of MGNREGS working days to 200, hike of daily wage to Rs 600 and implementation of the scheme in urban areas, Rs 5000 monthly pension to farmers, minimum wages for farmers in commensurate with rising inflation rate, strengthening health centres at Panchayat level, no eviction before rehabilitation, safeguard of rights of forest dwellers, implementation of Land Acquisition Act, 2016 so ensure proper compensation to ST and SC and proper implementation of Forest Rights Act.

Other demands are proper implementation of Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2014, waiving loan taken by farmers and SHGs and providing interest free loan to women.

According to Coordinating Body of Trade Union, Manipur, there had never been tax on food items like rice, wheat, lentils, curd, fish and meat in 75 years of India's independence but the BJP government has imposed 5 per cent GST on essential items particularly rice and lentils.

The government also charges GST for cremation, hospital room and writing ink for students and even proposed to charge 18 per cent GST on withdrawal of money from personal bank account through cheque.

The union is vehemently against the government's decision and accordingly preparing to join the nationwide farmers' protest on August 1 .

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