The Context of the Protests

Thousands of farmers from various regions of Western Uttar Pradesh have been protesting against the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (Noida), Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA), and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA). These protests, which started on November 25, 2024, have now entered their second week, with farmers demanding fair compensation and land allocation for lands acquired for development projects. Here’s an in-depth look at the situation:

  • Background of Land Acquisition: These authorities have acquired large tracts of land over the years for urbanization projects, leading to demands for higher compensation and developed residential plots. The matter has legal precedence, with the Allahabad High Court ruling in favor of farmers’ demands for additional compensation in 2011, upheld by the Supreme Court in 2015.
  • Farmers’ Demands:
  • 10% Developed Residential Plots: Farmers whose lands were acquired since 1997 are demanding 10% of developed residential land as compensation.
  • 64.7% Increased Compensation: Compensation for lands acquired between 1997 and 2002 should be hiked by 64.7%.
  • Commercial Use of Residential Plots: Permission to use residential plots for commercial purposes.
  • March to Delhi: On December 2, 2024, around 5,000 farmers marched towards Delhi, resulting in significant traffic disruptions. Although the march was called off after talks with authorities, a group of 200 farmers continued their protest at Dalit Prerna Sthal in Greater Noida.
YEIDA Farmer Protest at Noida

Government Response to Farmers’ Demands

  • Formation of New Committee: In response to the protests, the Uttar Pradesh government has formed a new committee to review the demands, headed by principal secretary Anil Sagar. This committee aims to address the issues and submit recommendations for further action.
  • Previous Committee’s Recommendations: The earlier committee made several key recommendations:
  • Each member of a farmer family should be allowed to use at least 1,000 square meters of their abadi land for family use.
  • Residential plots should be given even to farmers who encroached upon acquired land.

However, this committee rejected two crucial demands:

  • 10% Developed Residential Land: Rejected for all farmers whose land was acquired since 1997.
  • 64.7% Hiked Compensation: Rejected for lands acquired between 1997 and 2002.
  • Security Measures and Traffic Disruptions: In anticipation of the march, police set up barricades at key borders, leading to traffic diversions and significant disruptions, particularly on the Noida Expressway.

Impact and Implications

  • Economic Impact: The protests have led to economic losses due to traffic disruptions and delays in development projects.
  • Social Impact: The ongoing protests highlight the growing discontent among farmers over land acquisition policies and compensation, potentially influencing future government policies.
  • Political Implications: The protests have seen support from various political parties and social groups, indicating a possible shift in political dynamics in the region.

Farmers’ Protest: A Timeline

  • November 25, 2024: Protests begin outside the Noida Authority office in Sector 19.
  • December 2, 2024: Farmers march towards Delhi, leading to traffic disruptions and a sit-in protest at Dalit Prerna Sthal.
  • December 3, 2024: Traffic resumes on the Noida Expressway after talks; some farmers continue their protest.

Conclusion

The ongoing farmers’ protests in Uttar Pradesh reflect deep-seated issues related to land acquisition and compensation. While the government has taken steps to address some demands, the rejection of key demands has led to continued agitation. The resolution of these protests will not only impact the farmers directly involved but also set a precedent for future land acquisition policies and compensation in India.

FAQ

  • Why are farmers protesting in UP? Farmers are demanding fair compensation for land acquired by Noida, GNIDA, and YEIDA, along with 10% developed residential plots.
  • What are the key demands? The demands include 10% plots, 64.7% increased compensation, and commercial use of residential plots.
  • What has been the government’s response? The UP government has formed a new committee to review the demands, but some key demands have been rejected, leading to continued protests.

For more detailed information on the protests and their implications, visit the official websites of the concerned authorities and follow local news outlets for updates.

List of external article links on farmers’ protests in Uttar Pradesh:

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