Maharashtra Government Concedes to Demands, Ending Farmers' Long March
The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) and the CITU workers' union have officially called off their long march, which began on February 24 from Rajur village in Akole taluka. The decision came on Friday after the state government agreed to a series of key demands, as confirmed by AIKS state secretary Ajit Nawale.
Government Approves Salary Hikes and Water Access
Nawale announced that the march concluded positively, with the government approving a salary increase of Rs 2,000 for part-time health attendants and Rs 1,000 for school nutrition workers, as recommended in 2024. Additionally, the government has ordered a survey to ensure that water from the Bhandardara dam is made available to tribal farmers for drinking and irrigation through a government scheme.
March Details and Participants
The march involved farmers, health attendants, construction workers, and midday meal workers from north Maharashtra and parts of Marathwada. It was planned to cover 148 kilometers from Rajur village to the district headquarters in Ahilyanagar. After covering 58 kilometers over three days and advancing toward Loni in Rahata taluka—the hometown of district guardian minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil—the march was called off.
Ministerial Discussions and Outcomes
Five ministers, including Vikhe Patil and education minister Dada Bhuse, held discussions with the protesters. In a final videoconference on Friday, they confirmed that the government had accepted the demands and provided relief to people across the state. Nawale expressed satisfaction with the outcome, noting that the government made a significant decision to extend mediclaim coverage for construction workers by including medicine expenses, which were previously restricted to surgeries.
Approval Process for Financial Provisions
Nawale explained that while several demands were accepted in earlier meetings, the financial provisions for salary hikes required cabinet-level discussion and approval from the Chief Minister. This clearance has now been granted, finalizing the agreement and bringing the protest to a close.
