Nashik Tribal Farmers Embark on Mumbai March for Long-Pending Demands
In a significant display of collective action, tribal farmers from various parts of Nashik district initiated their march towards Mumbai on Sunday. This mobilization aims to pressure authorities regarding longstanding issues concerning land rights, agricultural relief, water distribution, and essential public services.
Organizational Backing and Primary Demands
The march has been coordinated under the joint banner of the Akhil Bharatiya Kisan Sabha and the Communist Party of India (Marxist), attracting thousands of participants from tribal communities across the district. The farmers' core demands are multifaceted and address systemic challenges.
Key demands include:
- Effective and timely implementation of the Forest Rights Act, which has seen delays and bureaucratic hurdles.
- Issuance of separate 7/12 land extracts to all eligible beneficiaries, ensuring proper documentation of land ownership.
- A comprehensive waiver of agricultural loans across Maharashtra, citing recurring crop failures, escalating input costs, and volatile market conditions that have trapped farmers in persistent debt cycles.
Additional Concerns and March Progress
Beyond agricultural issues, the participants highlighted the growing privatization of education, which they argue restricts access for tribal and rural populations. They also called for equitable water distribution from west-flowing rivers to local residents and demanded uninterrupted 24-hour power supply for farming activities.
The march is being led by former MLA and CPM functionary Jeeva Gavit, along with senior CPM politician Ashok Dhawale. Large contingents of tribal farmers began assembling on the outskirts of Nashik city near the Dindori border on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning, the procession advanced through key locations including Meri Road, Panchavati Karanja, Raviwar Karanja, and Ashok Stambh, eventually reaching the Nashik district collectorate.
At the collectorate, farmers staged a sit-in protest for over thirty minutes before resuming their journey. By Sunday evening, the march had progressed to Rajur Bahula, located a few kilometers from Nashik city limits, where participants halted for the night. The procession is scheduled to continue towards Mumbai over the coming days.
Leadership Perspectives and Government Engagement
In discussions with reporters, former MLA Jeeva Gavit emphasized that the government had already enacted legislation in 2006 addressing the fundamental concerns of tribal communities. He stated that the march's objective is to urge authorities to implement existing provisions that remain largely on paper.
Gavit clarified that the agitation is not intended to impose financial strain on the government or tarnish its image, as the demands simply seek enforcement of current laws. He recalled that similar assurances were provided by those in power in 2018, 2019, and 2023, yet none were realized, compelling the community to adopt a more resolute stance this time.
The delegation had previously engaged with district collector Ayush Prasad to discuss these issues, but with their demands unmet, they felt compelled to take to the streets. Gavit affirmed the marchers' determination, declaring, "We will walk to Mantralaya. If the state government fails to act even then, we will lay siege to Mantralaya until our demands are fulfilled." He asserted that the participants would not retreat under any circumstances, underscoring their commitment to achieving tangible outcomes.
