MP Sat bats for higher wages for agriculture workers in RS, demands enhanced incentives

JAMMU: J&K BJP President and Rajya Sabha MP Sat Sharma (CA) strongly raised the issue of low wage rates for agricultural workers as compared to certain other workers in the Rajya Sabha, urging the Union Government to further enhance wages and incentives for those engaged in farming. Reaffirming the BJP's unwavering commitment to the welfare and dignity of farmers, he emphasized that those who feed the nation deserve fair economic recognition. Describing farmers as the country's true "Annadata", Sat Sharma said it is unjust that wage rates, including VDA, in the agricultural sector remain substantially lower than those paid for occupations such as sweeping, watch and ward, loading, unloading and other categories of labour. He stressed that this disparity must be addressed to strengthen India's agricultural economy and ensure justice for the farming community. Sat Sharma sought to know whether the Government has any proposal to enhance the wages of farmers and agricultural workers, asserting that better remuneration is essential for improving their socio-economic security and encouraging the younger generation to remain connected with agriculture. Sharma highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the welfare of farmers has remained at the centre of national policymaking over the past twelve years. Historic initiatives such as PM-KISAN, enhanced MSP procurement, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Soil Health Cards, expansion of Kisan Credit Cards, irrigation projects, promotion of natural farming and digital agriculture have significantly strengthened the socio-economic condition of crores of farmers across the country. He said his intervention in Parliament is aimed at taking this pro-farmer vision a step further by ensuring fair and dignified wages for agricultural workers. Sat Sharma also urged the Government to review the existing classification of cities under Categories A, B and C for determining wage structures. He requested that more rapidly growing urban centres be included in Category B, considering the sharp rise in living costs and expanding economic activity, so that workers receive equitable wage benefits. Sat Sharma, expressing confidence in the Modi Government's commitment towards agricultural workers, said the concerns raised would receive due consideration. He reiterated that the BJP-led Government remains steadfast in empowering India's Annadatas, strengthening rural livelihoods and building a prosperous, self-reliant agricultural economy as the foundation of a Viksit Bharat.