*“I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved.” - Baba Saheb Ambedkar*
As we stand on the sacred grounds of India's Republic Day, echoing the principles enshrined in our constitution, a harsh reality shadows the celebrations. In the heart of Bihar, specifically at Kala Panchayat PACS in Laxmipur Taluka, farmers face a silent struggle that contradicts the ideals proclaimed in speeches and discussions.
The PACS, tasked with the crucial responsibility of procuring paddy from farmers, seems to operate in a realm detached from transparency and accountability. The initial promise of fair transactions evaporates as the farmers, the backbone of our nation, find themselves entangled in a web of unfulfilled commitments.
The grievances are deeply rooted. Farmers deliver their hard-earned produce to the PACS, trusting that their efforts will be met with due compensation. However, the absence of proper documentation, such as invoices and government receipts, paints a grim picture of the system's integrity.
The ordeal doesn't end there. Post the delivery of paddy, farmers are left in a limbo, waiting for weeks or even months for biometric verification. The PACS office, rather than being a haven for support, becomes a battleground where excuses about the lack of "CC" (credit money in PACS account) or unavailability are brandished as shields against farmer queries.
I, too, found myself ensnared in this disheartening cycle. When I approached Kala Panchayat PACS to sell my paddy, the response was disheartening. Despite the circular from Bihar Cooperative Society urging paddy procurement, the PACS in Kala remained unresponsive until I escalated the matter through a complaint to the cooperative society call center.
The lack of communication from the PACS regarding the quantity they intended to purchase based on farming land area added salt to the wounds. A week later, I discovered that only a fraction of my paddy would be procured, citing guidelines that seemed to favor neither the farmer nor the principles of equitable trade.
This isn't an isolated incident; numerous farmers in Kala Panchayat PACS are grappling with similar issues. The cycle of exploitation persists, overshadowing the aspirations of the farming community.
In the words of Baba Saheb Ambedkar, we must measure our progress by addressing the struggles faced by every member of society. The plight of farmers at Kala Panchayat PACS is a stark reminder that actions speak louder than words, and the ground reality demands urgent attention and reform.
As we celebrate our Republic Day, let us not forget the very essence of democracy lies in the upliftment of those who toil tirelessly to feed the nation. It is time to introspect, act, and ensure that our farmers receive the dignity and justice they rightfully deserve.
