Farmers Movement Archive

NHRC notice to 4 states, Centre over farmers’ stir

NEW DELHI: The National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday issued notices to the governments of Delhi, UP, Haryana and Rajasthan and their police chiefs, over allegations that farmers protests have "adversely impacted" industrial units and transportation, and flouted Covid safety norms at agitation sites. In a statement, NHRC said it has asked the National Disaster Management Authority, Union ministry of home affairs and the Union health ministry to submit reports with respect to the "adverse impact of farmers agitation on various aspects and observance of Covid protocols at the protests sites". The commission also directed the Institute of Economic Growth (IEG) to examine the adverse impact of the farmers agitation on industrial and commercial activities and production, and disruption of transport services on commercial and normal consumers, including inconvenience and additional expenditure, among others and asked it to submit a comprehensive report by October 10. Additionally, NHRC asked the Delhi School of Social Work to depute teams to conduct a survey and submit a report, assessing the disruption of livelihood, lives of people, impact on the aged and infirm persons due to protracted agitation by farmers, the rights panel said. "The NHRC has received several complaints regarding the ongoing farmers protest. There are allegations of adverse impact on the industrial units, seriously effecting more than 9,000 micro, medium and large companies," it said. The rights panel said it has been informed that transportation has also been adversely impacted, causing commuters, patients, people with disability and senior citizens to suffer due to heavy traffic on roads where farmers are sitting in protest of the contentious farm laws.

The Times of India

2021-09-15

India