Bahadurgarh Industries Make Fervent Appeal to Farmers: Let Our Businesses Run for Our Families

Amidst the ongoing farmers' agitation, industries in Bahadurgarh, Tikri, and Bawana Industrial Area (BIA) on the Haryana-Delhi border have expressed their concerns over the losses incurred due to traffic closures. The Delhi Chalo call given by the farmers has caused anxiety among the businessmen in these areas, prompting them to make a fervent appeal to the protesters.

Representative image

Appeal for Livelihood

The Confederation of Bahadurgarh Industries has put up posters across the Tikri border and metro pillars in Hindi, urging the farmers to let their businesses run for the sake of their families. The appeal reads, "Bahadurgarh ke udyogon aur karmchariyon ki taraf se kisan bhaiyon ko vinamra prarthna - hamarey parivar ke liye hamara rozgar chalne dein" (A polite appeal to the farmer brothers on behalf of the industries and employees of Bahadurgarh - let our business run for the sake of our families).

Footwear Industry at Risk

The Tikri area of west Delhi is home to one of the biggest footwear manufacturing industries, employing over 1.5 lakh labourers who commute daily to their respective industries. During the last farmers' protest in 2020-2021, the industry suffered a loss of around Rs 20 crore. The BIA, which houses various industries such as plastic granules, stainless steel, clothes, and nuts and bolts, also fears significant business losses.

Increased Manufacturing Costs

Industrialists have highlighted that the farmers' protest has led to increased manufacturing costs due to detours required to supply products. A meeting of businessmen from Jhajjar, Bahadurgarh, and Tikri was held to discuss the extent of losses incurred by businesses due to road closures.

Seeking Government Intervention

Businessmen have approached the concerned authorities in Jhajjar, Haryana, and are planning to meet senior leaders of the Delhi government to seek support and address their concerns. They have also expressed frustration over the losses suffered during the year-long farmers' agitation at Tikri in 2021.

Farmers' Demands

In addition to a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), the farmers are demanding the implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations, pensions for farmers and farm labourers, farm debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases, justice for victims of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence, reinstatement of the Land Acquisition Act 2013, withdrawal from the World Trade Organisation, and compensation for families of farmers who died during the previous agitation.

The industries in Bahadurgarh, Tikri, and BIA are facing significant challenges due to the ongoing farmers' agitation. The appeal made by the businessmen highlights the need for a resolution that balances the demands of the farmers with the livelihoods of those dependent on these industries. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to find a mutually beneficial solution.