The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has decided to hit streets in this month across the demanding disbursement of urgent financial aid to the flood affected farmers of Tripura. Expressing deep concern over the delay in financial assistance to flood-affected farmers in Tripura, the state committee of AIKS revealed on Friday that it would engage with District Magistrates across the state this December to press for quick disbursement of the promised aid and to ensure financial aid reaches the affected farmers without further delay.
Addressing a press conference in Agartala, AIKS state committee secretary Pabitra Kar criticized both the central and state governments for failing to fulfill their commitments. “It is alarming that the flood-affected farmers, who have suffered immense losses, are still waiting for the promised financial relief. Despite assurances from the authorities, the aid has not been disbursed,” he said.
Demand for ‘National Disaster’ Status
Highlighting the severity of the recent floods, Kar voiced disappointment over the government’s failure to classify the disaster as a ‘National Disaster.’
He argued that such a declaration is crucial for accessing funds from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) to provide adequate support to the affected population.
“We urged both the Centre and the state government to recognize the Tripura floods as a National Disaster. Unfortunately, the state government has not taken the necessary steps to push for this declaration, which is a gross oversight of its responsibilities,” Kar alleged.
Community Support Amid Government Apathy
Kar commended the efforts of NGOs and social organizations that provided assistance to the farmers and other flood-hit residents during and after the disaster. However, he criticized the lack of a proactive response from the government. “While civil society stood by the farmers in their hour of need, the government’s response has been disheartening,” he remarked.
Delegation to Meet District Magistrates
To escalate the matter, the AIKS announced that its state committee would meet District Magistrates in deputations across all districts in December. The delegation aims to press for immediate government intervention to expedite the disbursal of financial aid.
“We will ensure that the voices of farmers are heard and that the government fulfills its obligation to provide the necessary support,” Kar emphasized.
The recent floods in Tripura have left countless farmers struggling to recover from significant agricultural losses. With the government’s alleged inaction causing growing frustration among the affected communities, AIKS is trying pitch for the affected farmers by directly engaging with district officials and win the support of the flood affected farmers in Tripura.
(Tripura, Northeast)