India is the biggest democracy in the world, it is said. But the living condition of the major section of the common people, the kisans, farmers and agricultural workers, has not improved in any significant manner. It is stated that more than 20 lakh farmers have committed suicides in the recent past. Despite all tall claims by the government, the suicides of indebted farmers are increasing in many states. See the list of certain states below, where the suicides have increased in the last ten years:
State Farmers’ suicides (average per year)
1995-2002 2003-10
- A.P. 1590 2301
- Assam 155 291
- MP-Chattisgarh 2304 2829
- Maharashtra 2508 3802
(Source: NCRB Accidental death & suicides in India Report 1995-2010)
After change of Govt. in West Bengal and Ms. Mamata Banerjee taken over as Chief Minister, the state has joined the notorious ‘suicide-club of states’. This phenomenon was totally absent in Bengal during 34-years-long Left Front Govt. But in only eight months, the situation has totally changed to worst. Already 21 peasants have committed suicide out of distress in this short period. Ms. Banerjee Govt. has been showing a criminal negligence and apathy towards this serious problem.
This is intolerable. A very strong and militant mass movement against the agrarian crisis is the need of the hour to imbibe confidence amongst the peasants, otherwise the nation will be plunged into deep food crisis in near future. In my opinion, it is better to die in front of bullets of police, rather than committing suicide.
Dear Comrade,
Thank you for the apt comment on the issue of W.Bengal. During the period of the Left Government, the farmers’ suicide had come down drastically, but as stated by you, it is increasing now under the Trinamool rule.