Kisa Diwas 2020: Chaudhary Charan Singh always fought for farmers' rights
Kisan Diwas or National Farmers' Day is observed on December 23, the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth prime minister of India. Born into a farmer's family, Chaudhary Charan Singh was known for his farmer-friendly policies. He was the prime minister between July 1979 and January 1980. During his short time as prime minister, Chaudhary Charan Singh worked hard for the welfare of Indian farmers. He had introduced several welfare schemes for the farmers. The government, in 2001, decided to mark Charan Singh's birth anniversary as Kisan Diwas.
Kisan Diwas is a day to remember the role of Indian farmers in the economy. Chaudhary Charan Singh played a key role in bringing the issues of small and marginal farmers to the forefront. He always fought and stood for farmers' rights.
Carrying forward Sir Chhotu Ram's legacy, he founded the Kisan Trust on December 23, 1978, to spread awareness about farmers' issues in the country. Just like Chotu Ram, Charan Singh championed the interest of oppressed communities and small farmers.
In 1939, he introduced the Debt Redemption Bill to give relief to the farmers from moneylenders. As the agriculture minister, in 1952, Charan Singh worked for abolishing the zamindari system and in 1953, he got the Consolidation of Holdings Act passed. Under this Act, fragmented land holdings were pooled and then re-allotted to the farmers in a way that each got a single farm. Charan Singh also made effort to free the marginal farmers from being exploited.
Chaudhary Charan Singh was committed to the farm sector and favoured small and cottage industries. For his association with the farming community, his memorial in New Delhi was named the Kisan Ghat.