Bhubaneswar: A 12-hour bandh is being observed in Sambalpur today, with farmers protesting against the alleged mismanagement in kharif paddy procurement. The bandh, which received support from various trade unions and the Biju Janata Dal party, will remain in effect from 6 am to 6 pm.
According to reports, the protesters are demanding that the government address their grievances regarding paddy procurement.
It is alleged that despite repeated pleas, the state government has failed to address the grievances which prompted the farmers to call bandh. The bandh has led to the closure of shops, business establishments, schools, and colleges in the city.
It is pertinent to mention that the farmers are upset over the government’s failure to provide adequate transportation facilities, leading to a glut in paddy procurement. The mandi operations, which commenced a month ago in western Odisha, have been marred by inefficiencies, causing hardships to farmers.
The government has been accused of neglecting the interests of farmers, and the protest is expected to intensify if the issues are not addressed soon.
