Farmers' Forum: Nurturing Democracy, Cultivating Change
Panchayati India Foundation/ Newsletter Issue -01|NL- 04- 2024
At Panchayati India Foundation, our guiding ethos is Nation First, above all, transcending political affiliations. Committed to this ideology, we dedicate ourselves to governance that prioritises the welfare and progress of our country. We believe it is the solemn duty of every citizen to uphold this principle, fostering a spirit of unity and collective responsibility towards our nation's prosperity and well-being.
Dear Fellow Farmers,
Warm greetings from the Panchayati India Foundation, where we're deeply committed to empowering farmers and fostering positive change in rural India. As we stand on the threshold of another electoral cycle, it's crucial for us, the backbone of our nation, to reflect on our pivotal role in shaping our country's future.
Sowing Seeds of Democracy: A Farmer's Perspective
For us, elections aren't just about politics; they're about our lives, our livelihoods, and the well-being of our communities. As custodians of the land, we understand firsthand the profound impact government policies can have on our agricultural practices, incomes, and way of life.
From the lush fields of Punjab to the sun-drenched plains of Rajasthan, farmers across India recognise the gravity of the electoral process. Our voices, steeped in generations of wisdom and experience, must resonate strongly in the corridors of power, ensuring that our concerns are addressed and our needs met.
Challenges on the Horizon: Voices from the Fields
As we prepare to cast our votes, we must acknowledge the challenges confronting us and our fellow farmers nationwide. Here are some key concerns that have emerged from our interactions:
Agricultural Distress: The spectre of the agrarian crisis looms large, with farmers burdened by debts, volatile prices, and unpredictable weather patterns. Many struggle to make ends meet, with our livelihoods hanging in the balance.
Access to Resources: Despite our indispensable role in the economy, farmers continue to grapple with limited access to crucial resources such as credit, irrigation facilities, and quality inputs. The lack of adequate infrastructure exacerbates the hardships faced by rural communities.
Policy Reforms: There's a growing consensus among farmers about the urgent need for policy reforms that prioritise the interests of small and marginal farmers, promote sustainable practices, and ensure fair prices for agricultural produce. Elected representatives must champion these reforms to address the root causes of agrarian distress.
Addressing Electoral Malpractices: Upholding Integrity
In addition to the challenges farmers face, it's essential to address electoral malpractices that undermine the integrity of the democratic process. Here are some key concerns and proposed solutions:
Breach of Trust: Candidates who fail to fulfil pre-election promises should face trial in a court of justice for openly committing a breach of trust and failing to fulfil their obligations to voters. False commitments made by election-contesting parties deceive voters and should not be tolerated.
Government Intervention: The government of India should intervene and consider debarring parties that fail to fulfil their promises from contesting future elections, treating it as a criminal offence against the public interest. When parties fail to fulfil pre-election promises after coming to power, it is perceived as a shameless breach of trust against the public.
Manifesto Submission: To prevent such malpractices, parties and candidates should be required to submit their manifestoes or agendas with an affidavit to the Election Commission (EC) before elections. Parties failing to fulfil their promises could be permanently debarred from contesting elections by the EC.
Mandatory Requirement: This requirement should be required for ruling parties and candidates to contest elections, as the current code of conduct lacks penal provisions for such breaches. Both people and parties must understand and agree that such actions harming the nation should not be allowed.
Upholding Democratic Principles: Responsibilities and Accountability
Democracy thrives on citizens' and political entities' active participation and accountability. Here are some additional considerations to ensure the integrity of the democratic process:
Enforcement of Regulations: The EC should rigorously monitor and enforce compliance with regulations to prevent deceptive practices by parties. Legislative action is needed to strengthen these regulations and safeguard the democratic process.
Voter Responsibility: Voters are also responsible for holding parties and candidates accountable and refrain from supporting those who engage in deceitful behaviour. Citizens must exercise their voting rights thoughtfully and demand transparency from elected representatives.
Manifesto Accountability: Manifestoes of political parties and candidates should be recorded and serve as guiding documents for governance if the party comes to power. Parties should be obligated to fulfil the promises made in their manifestoes, and failure to do so should disqualify them from holding government positions.
Citizen Participation: Democracy entails the participation of all citizens in governance, but low voter turnout undermines the legitimacy of elected governments. Legal provisions should be established to compel citizens to exercise their voting rights, ensuring their active participation in the democratic process.
Penalties for Non-compliance: Failure to vote should incur penalties, including fines and deprivation of government facilities, with repeated offences resulting in the permanent loss of voting rights. Such measures are necessary to ensure citizens fulfil their duty to the nation and actively contribute to the democratic process.
Get Involved: Join the Movement
We invite you to join us in empowering farmers and revitalising rural India. Your participation, whether through grassroots organising, advocacy efforts, or community initiatives, can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of farmers nationwide.
Together, let's cultivate a future where farmers are respected, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Your vote matters for the nation's progress and well-being. Please participate in the ongoing elections and vote for the betterment of your future.
Warm regards,
For-Panchayati India Foundation
New Delhi, Bharat.