Madhya Pradesh Cancels Controversial Land Pooling Scheme Amid Farmer Protests
Image Source: Internet
In a move to avert a major farmer agitation, the Madhya Pradesh government has revoked the Simhastha land pooling scheme in Ujjain. The decision comes after farmers' organisations, led by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh (BKS), warned of a mass protest on December 26. The BKS had been strongly opposing the land pooling policy, which aimed to acquire farmers' land for permanent construction. In contrast, land was previously acquired for the Simhastha Kumbh, a major Hindu religious event, for a shorter period of 5-6 months. The BKS had called for a 'Dera Daalo, Gherao Daalo' movement on November 18, prompting the government to initially announce the repeal of the scheme. However, the government later issued an amended version, which led to renewed protests. The cancellation of the land pooling scheme has been welcomed by the BKS, who organised a celebratory rally in Ujjain. Disgruntled farmers, who had planned an indefinite strike, have now called off their protest. The Simhastha Kumbh, scheduled to take place in 2028, attracts millions of devotees from across India and abroad. The government's decision to cancel the land pooling scheme is seen as a significant concession to the farmers' demands.
