Chetan Salve is a seasoned activist with the Narmada Bachao Andolan. He has seen first hand the chronic illiteracy, unemployment and dearth of infrastructure which make his state one of the most critical in India. Further compounding these issues is the ever-impending Sardar Sarovar Project on the river Narmada, which, due to submergence, threatens the very survival of over 41,000…

Chetan Salve

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The three new bills passed by the Union government amending the existing laws governing farmers rights has met with widespread protests all across the country. The bills have led to one of the ruling party's oldest allies to leave the alliance in support of farmers.

One of India's well-known activists Medha Patkar spoke to Video Volunteers community correspondent Chetan Salve on the sidelines on a large scale protest organised by more than 200 organisations in Maharashtra's Nandurbar district.

"Entry of companies into farmland will not benefit the farmers. Gujarat's story, where potato farmers were trapped and exploited by a cola major, will be repeated across the country if this bill isn't taken back," said Patkar.

The bills, titled The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, The Farmers’ (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill, 2020 were passed by the government swiftly amidst protests and a walkout by the opposition parties in the parliament.