Farmers' Protest: Why are farmers demanding India's withdrawal from WTO?

• The WTO has 164 members representing 98 per cent of world trade.
• WTO deals and determinant with the rules of trade between nations.         
• India has been a member of WTO since January 1995.
• Indian farmers want legal guarantee regarding MSP, but WTO rules are exactly the opposite. 

Prashant Tamta https://www.dnaindia.com : Feb 13, 2024

Farmers started protesting on Tuesday with a new set of demands including a legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops and India's withdrawal from the World Trade Organization (WTO). The protesting farmers also want India to scrap all Free Trade Agreements (FTA). But why are farmers demanding withdrawal from WTO? 

The international trade body deals with the rules of trade between nations. According to WTO rules, member countries are required to limit the amount of domestic support they provide to their agricultural producers. This is because excessive subsidies can distort international trade. They also include individual countries’ commitments to lower trade barriers and open services markets. Many countries express concern about India's subsidy to its farmers, saying it will affect the global agricultural business.

India has been a member of WTO since January 1995. Indian farmers want legal guarantee regarding MSP, but WTO rules are exactly the opposite. India has also promised that it will not give any guarantee on fixing its MSP. Due to this, farmers want India to come out of WTO to accept their demands related to MSP. Besides, it should also cancel all FTAs so that it does not have to bow to the conditions of any other country or organization.

The WTO has 164 members representing 98 per cent of world trade. Moreover, a free trade agreement (FTA) also involves reducing or eliminating tariffs on items traded between the partner countries. Meanwhile, developing nations have also been demanding a special safeguard mechanism that would permit them to impose import restrictions if there is a surge in import of an agricultural item or a decline in its price. They say that this could result in loss of livelihood of farmers in the country and a threat to food security.⍐

Why Farmers Are Marching Toward Delhi Again

This time they want a stronger guarantee that they can make money selling their wheat and rice crops.

Once again, India’s capital is bracing itself for a siege. Not by a foreign army but by an army of Indian farmers, streaming toward New Delhi from nearby states to protest government policies.

The farmers’ march has turned the city’s main points of entry into choke points, as the federal and local police go into overdrive: barricading highways by pouring concrete and stacking shipping containers to halt the advancing tractors.

The authorities have blocked the social media accounts of some protest leaders and even used drones that were once billed as an agricultural innovation to drop tear-gas grenades on the demonstrators.

Didn’t this happen before?

The scenes hark back to North India’s biggest protests of 2020 and 2021, when hundreds of thousands of farmers, mostly from the states of Punjab and Haryana, forced the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abandon three bills meant to overhaul India’s agricultural economy.

If the farmers prevailed then — in a rare retreat for the powerful Mr. Modi — why are they massing again, threatening or even causing disruptions in and out of an urban area that is home to about 30 million people?

Farmers taking cover from tear gas about 150 miles from New Delhi on Tuesday.Credit...Rajat Gupta/EPA, via Shutterstock

This time, the farmers’ central demand concerns something called the minimum support price, or M.S.P. They want it to be increased, adding a 50 percent premium to whatever it costs them to produce wheat and rice.

Sarwan Singh Pandher, a leader of a committee representing hundreds of smaller farmers’ unions, said that many of their demands had been left hanging after they ended their protests more than two years ago, “especially about the M.S.P. being made a legal guarantee.”

A barrier intended to block farmers from reaching Delhi.Credit...Sajjad Hussain/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Economists tend to hate the M.S.P. and its effects on farming. It leads directly to food price inflation, for one thing.

And by divorcing farmers’ earnings from the traded value of staple cereals, the controlled prices — in combination with free electricity and subsidized fertilizer — have encouraged overproduction of rice, for instance, in areas that are naturally semiarid. That depletes water tables and brings the kind of stubble burning that helps pollute Delhi’s air every autumn.

 

Why do farmers want price supports?

The M.S.P. should act as a form of social insurance, by sparing the majority of India’s population, which still depends on farming incomes, from the volatility that comes with changing weather patterns and internationally set grain prices.In practice, it is India’s better-off farmers who would stand to lose the most if the M.S.P. was eliminated; annual incomes in Punjab are higher than in the rest of the country’s grain belt.Farmers who are inching closer to the middle class often feel the pinch of stagnating incomes most sharply. Many families in Punjab have invested in higher education as a way up. But acute unemployment makes those debts hard to pay down. In the poorer parts of the country, indebted farmers often resort to suicide

 

Mr. Modi had promised to double the incomes that they had in 2015, and on that the government has fallen far short. It makes farmers’ demands more urgent, Mr. Pandher said: “Either the government should come around or grant us the right to protest peacefully in 

Delhi.”

How did it all end last time?

The earlier round of protests reached its peak in January 2021. After camping outside the capital, farmers who had endured pandemic hardships stormed through barricades to challenge Mr. Modi’s own Republic Day parade, a confrontation that had long-lasting political consequences. 

Farmers protesting in New Delhi in January 2021.Credit...Saumya Khandelwal for The New York Times

The farmers seemed to win; the proposed laws were repealed later that year. But with Punjabi Sikhs highly visible in the movement’s leadership, the government began cracking down on Sikh separatists soon after. And apparently not just by lawful means: The government has been accused of orchestrating assassination attempts in Canada and the United States.

Apart from Sikh politics, the leadership of the farmer movement may be bargaining that now is the best time to make their demands, when election season is upon Mr. Modi and he would presumably not want to be seen fighting back poor farmers circled around Delhi.

• Alex Travelli is a correspondent for The Times based in New Delhi, covering business and economic matters in India and the rest of South Asia. He previously worked as an editor and correspondent for The Economist.
• Suhasini Raj is a reporter based in New Delhi who has covered India for The Times since 2014.

`டெல்கி சலோ`- வெடித்தது மீண்டும் இந்திய விவசாயிகள் போராட்டம்

• விளை பொருட்களுக்கு ஆதார விலை, 
• விவசாயக் கடன் தள்ளுபடி, 
• விவசாயிகளுக்கு ஓய்வூதியம், 
• மின்சார சட்டத்திருத்த மசோதா ரத்து, 
• விவசாயிகள் மீது பதியப்பட்ட வழக்குகள் ரத்து 

உள்ளிட்ட கோரிக்கைகளை முன்வைத்து விவசாயிகள் டெல்லியில் போராட்டம் நடத்தி வருகின்றனர்.

மீண்டும் விவசாயிகள் போராட்டம்

நிவேதா தனிமொழி இந்து தமிழ் 20-02-2024

விளைப் பொருட்களுக்கு ஆதார விலை, விவசாயக் கடன் தள்ளுபடி, விவசாயிகளுக்கு ஓய்வூதியம், மின்சார சட்டத்திருத்த மசோதா ரத்து, விவசாயிகள் மீது பதியப்பட்ட வழக்குகள் ரத்து உள்ளிட்ட கோரிக்கைகளை முன்வைத்து விவசாயிகள் டெல்லியில் போராட்டம் நடத்தி வருகின்றனர். இந்த நிலையில், டெல்லிக்குள் விவசாயிகள் நுழையாமல் இருக்க, எல்லையில் தடுப்புகள் போடப்படும் பணிகளும் தீவிரப்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது. அதையும் மீறி நுழைபவர்கள் மீது போலீஸ் தாக்குதல் நடத்துகிறது. 

தில்லிக்குள் நுழைந்த விவசாயிகள் மீது காவல்துறையினர் கண்ணீர் புகை குண்டுகளை
வீசியதால் பரபரப்பு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. - படம் தம்பட்டம்

கடந்த 2020-ம் ஆண்டு விவசாயிகள் வேளாண் சட்டத் திருத்தத்துக்கு எதிராகப் போராட்டத்தை நடத்தினர். அப்போதே குறைந்தபட்ச ஆதார விலை கோரிக்கையை முன்வைத்திருந்தனர். ஆனால், மத்திய அரசு அதை நிறைவேற்றவில்லை என்னும் குற்றச்சாட்டை முன்வைத்து கடந்த 13-ம் தேதி போராட்டத்தை விவசாயிகள் தொடங்கியுள்ளனர். கடந்த 12-ம் தேதி இரண்டு மத்திய அமைச்சர்கள் தலைமையில் விவசாயிகளுடன் பேச்சுவார்த்தை நடத்தப்பட்டது. இதில், உடன்பாடு எட்டப்படவில்லை. இதனால், ஹரியாணா மற்றும் பஞ்சாப் மாநிலங்களைச் சேர்ந்த விவசாயிகள் டெல்லியை நோக்கிப் பேரணியை செல்லத் தொடங்கினர். 'டெல்லி சலோ' என்ற இந்தப் போராட்டத்துக்குப் பெயரும் வைத்தனர். சுமார் 200-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட விவசாய சங்கங்களைச் சேர்ந்த விவசாயிகள் இதில் கலந்து கொண்டுள்ளனர்.

ஆனால், இவர்களின் நுழைவைத் தடுக்கும் வகையில், முள் வலையங்கள், கான்கிரிட் தடுப்புகள் டெல்லி எல்லைப் பகுதியில் அமைக்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது. ட்ரோன் கேமரா வாயிலாகக் கண்காணிப்புகள் தீவிரப்படுத்தப்பட்டன. விவசாயிகள் போராட்டம் குறித்தான உளவுத் துறை சமர்பித்த ரிப்போர்ட் குறித்த தகவல்கள் வெளியாகின. அதில், “6 மாதங்களுக்கு தேவையான உணவுப் பொருட்கள், டீசல் உள்ளிட்டவற்றுடன் அவர்கள் டெல்லி நோக்கி செல்ல தொடங்கியுள்ளனர்.

குறிப்பாக, தலைநகர் டெல்லியை விவசாயிகள் முற்றுகையிட முயற்சி செய்கின்றனர். நுழைவாயிலில் தடுக்க போலீஸ் முயலும் என்பதை முன்கூட்டியே அறிந்து, முக்கிய நுழைவாயில்களை தவிர்த்துவிட்டு தொலைவில் மற்றும் சாலை வசதிகள் முறையாக இல்லாத என்டரி பாயின்ட்களை பயன்படுத்தி டெல்லியை முற்றுகையிட விவசாயிகள் முடிவு செய்துள்ளது” என தகவல் சொல்லப்பட்டது.

கடந்த 2020-ம் ஆண்டு, விவசாயிகள் நடத்திய போராட்டம் 13 மாதங்களுக்கு மேல் நீடித்தது. அதுபோன்ற போராட்டத்தைக் கையிலெடுக்க திட்டமிட்டப்பட்டுதான் 6 மாதங்களுக்கு தேவையான பொருட்களுடன் டெல்லி சென்றுள்ளனர். இந்த நிலையில், தடையை மீறி போராட்டம் நடத்துவர்கள் மீது கண்ணீர் புகை குண்டுகள் வீசப்படுகிறது. அதையும் மீறி டெல்லியில் விவசாயிகள் குவிந்து போராட்டம் நடத்தி வருகின்றனர்.

இந்த நிலையில், பிப்ரவரி 14-ம் தேதி செய்தியாளர்களைச் சந்தித்த பஞ்சாப் கிசான் மஸ்தூர் சங்கர்ஷ் விவசாய கூட்டமைப்பின் பொதுச் செயலாளர் சர்வன் சிங் பாந்தர், ” நாங்கள் அரசாங்கத்திடம் மோதுவதற்கு டெல்லிக்கு வரவில்லை. எங்களின் நீண்ட நாள் கோரிக்கைகளை நிறைவேற்ற கவனத்தை ஈர்க்கவே போராட்டம் நடத்துகிறோம். ஆனால், அரசுக்கு எதிராகப் போராட்டம் நடத்துவது போன்ற கருத்துகள் முன்வைக்கப்படுகிறது” என்றார்.

ஆளும் பாஜக அரசு, தலைநகர் டெல்லியில் போராட்டம் நடத்தும் விவசாயிகளைக் கட்டுப்படுத்த முயற்சிப்பதாக எதிர்க்கட்சிகள் குற்றச்சாட்டை முன்வைத்துள்ளனர். சத்தீஸ்கர் மாநிலம் அம்பிகாபூரில் நடந்த பொதுக்கூட்டத்தில் பேசிய ராகுல் காந்தி, “இன்று விவசாயிகள் டெல்லியை நோக்கி நடைபயணம் மேற்கொண்டு வருகின்றனர். அவர்கள் மீது கண்ணீர் புகை குண்டு வீசப்பட்டு தடுக்கப்படுகிறது. எம்.எஸ்.சுவாமிநாதனுக்கு பாரத ரத்னா விருது வழங்கிய பாஜக அரசுக்கு அவர் குழு பரிந்துரைத்த குறைந்தபட்ச ஆதார விலையை அமல்படுத்த முடியவில்லை. விவசாயிகளுக்கு சட்டபூர்வ உரிமைகள் வழங்கப்பட வேண்டும் என்று எம்.எஸ்.சுவாமிநாதன் கூறி உள்ளதைப் பாஜக அரசு செய்யவில்லை” என விமர்சித்தார்.

இது குறித்து மேற்கு வங்க முதல்வர் மம்தா பானர்ஜி பேசுகையில், “அடிப்படை உரிமைகளுக்காகப் போராடும் விவசாயிகள் மீது கண்ணீர் புகை குண்டுகள் வீசினால் நம் நாடு எப்படி முன்னேறும்? விவசாயிகளுக்கு ஆதரவளிக்க பாஜக அரசு தவறிவிட்டது. விவசாயிகள் மீதான கொடூர தாக்குதல்களைக் கண்டிக்கிறேன்” எனப் பேசினார்.

“தலைநகர் டெல்லியில் ஏன் போர்ச்சூழல் போன்ற பதற்றம் மிகுந்த பாதுகாப்பு ஏற்பாடுகள்? மத்திய பாஜக அரசு, தன் சொந்த நாட்டில் வாழும் உழவர்களின் வாழ்வுரிமைப் போராட்டத்தை ஒடுக்க போர்க்களத்தைவிடக் கொடுமையான சூழலை உருவாக்கி இருக்கிறது” என்று தமிழக முதல்வர் ஸ்டாலின் கூறியுள்ளார்.

இதனிடையே, “பஞ்சாப் விவசாயிகள் டெல்லியை நோக்கி பேரணி செல்கின்றனர். ஹரியானாவில் அவர்களுக்காக சிறைச்சாலை தயாராகி வருவதாகவும், அவர்களை தடுக்க தடுப்பு வேலிகள் உள்ளிட்ட ஏற்பாடுகள் செய்யப்பட்டு வருவதாகவும் செய்தித்தாள்களின் மூலம் தெரிந்து கொண்டேன். அவர்கள் விவசாயிகள், கிரிமினல்கள் அல்ல.

இந்தியாவின் முன்னணி விஞ்ஞானிகளான உங்கள் அனைவரிடமும் நான் கேட்டுக் கொள்வது இதைத்தான். நாம் நம்முடைய ‘அன்னதாதா’க்களிடம் பேச வேண்டும். அவர்களை கிரிமினல்களைப் போல நடத்தக் கூடாது” என்று விவசாயிகளுக்கு ஆதரவாக மறைந்த வேளாண் விஞ்ஞானி எம்.எஸ்.சுவாமிநாதன் மகள் மதுரா சுவாமிநாதன் கருத்து தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

இப்படியாக, கட்சித் தலைவர்கள், சமூக ஆர்வலர்கள் கண்டனம் தெரிவித்து வருகின்றனர். ஆனால், மத்திய வேளாண் துறை அமைச்சர் அர்ஜூன் முண்டா பேசுகையில், “விவசாயிகளுடன் சுமுகமான தீர்வு எட்ட முயற்சிகள் மேற்கொள்ளப்படும்” எனத் தெரிவித்துள்ளார். மக்களவைத் தேர்தல் நெருங்கும் இந்தச் சூழலில், விவசாயிகள் போராட்டத்தை நடத்துவது ஆளும் பாஜக அரசுக்குப் பெரும் நெருக்கடியை ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ளது.

சவுக்கு இணைய தளம்

விவசாயிகள் போராட்டத்தில் கண்ணீர் புகை வீச்சு: சுவர் எழுப்பி பஞ்சாப் அரியானா எல்லையை மூடியதற்கு விவசாயிகள் சங்கம் கண்டனம்

டெல்லி நோக்கி வரும் விவசாயிகள் பேரணியை கலைப்பதற்காக டெல்லி எல்லையில் கண்ணீர் புகை குண்டுகள் வீசப்பட்டன. கான்கிரீட் சுவர் எழுப்பி பஞ்சாப்-அரியானா எல்லைகள் மூடப்பட்டதற்கு விவசாயிகள் சங்கம் கடும் கண்டனம் தெரிவித்து இருக்கிறது.

குறைந்தபட்ச ஆதரவு விலைக்கு சட்ட அங்கீகாரம், எம்.எஸ்.சுவாமிநாதன் ஆணையத்தின் பரிந்துரைகளை அமல்படுத்துதல், லக்கீம்பூா் கேரி வன்முறையில் உயிரிழந்த விவசாயிகளுக்கு நீதி, உலக வா்த்தக அமைப்பிலிருந்து வெளியேறுதல், 2020 வன்முறையில் உயிரிழந்த விவசாயிகளின் குடும்பத்தினருக்கு இழப்பீடு எனப் பல்வேறு கோரிக்கைகளை நிறைவேற்ற வலியுறுத்தி டெல்லியில் இன்றுபோராட்டம் நடத்த உள்ளதாக சம்யுக்த கிசான் மோா்ச்சா, கிசான் மஸ்தூா் மோா்ச்சா ஆகிய விவசாய அமைப்புகள் அறிவித்துள்ளன.

விவசாய அமைப்புகளின் தலைவா்கள் பிடிவாதமாக இருந்ததால் மத்திய அரசு உடன் திங்கள்கிழமை மாலை 6.30 மணியளவில் தொடங்கிய பேச்சுவாா்த்தை நள்ளிரவு வரை நீடித்தது. இந்நிலையில், ஏற்கெனவே திட்டமிட்டபடி பஞ்சாபில் இருந்து டெல்லி நோக்கி விவசாயிகளின் டிராக்டர் பேரணி தொடங்கியது

தேசியத் தலைநகர் டெல்லியில் போராட்டம் நடத்த விவசாயிகள் திட்டமிட்டுள்ள நிலையில், போராட்டத்தில் பங்கேற்க பஞ்சாப் மாநிலத்தின் பல்வேறு பகுதிகளைச் சோ்ந்த விவசாயிகள் திரண்டனர்.

பஞ்சாப் விவசாயிகள் அரியானா மாநிலத்திற்குள் நுழைவதைத் தடுக்க, இரு மாநில எல்லையில் உள்ள அம்பாலா, ஜிந்த், பதேஹாபாத், குருக்ஷேத்ரம், சிா்சா ஆகிய பகுதிகளின் சாலைகளில் கான்கிரீட் தடுப்புகள், இரும்பு ஆணி வேலிகளை மாநில காவல்துறையினா் ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ளனா்.

டிராக்டா்களில் பேரணியாகச் செல்வதைத் தடுக்கும் விதமாக ஹரியானாவின் 15 மாவட்டங்களில் 144 தடை உத்தரவை மாநில அரசு பிறப்பித்துள்ளது.மத்திய துணை ராணுவப் படையின் 50 கம்பெனி படைகளுடன் மாநில காவல் துறையினா் பாதுகாப்பு பணியில் ஈடுபடுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளனா்.

இதனிடையே, அம்பாலா அருகே டெல்லியின் ஷம்பு எல்லையில் ஹரியானா போலீசார் கண்ணீர் புகை குண்டுகளை வீசி போராடும் விவசாயிகளை கலைத்தனர்.

இந்நிலையில், பேரணியாகச் செல்லும் விவசாயிகளை தடுக்கும் விதமாக அரியானா - பஞ்சாப் மாநில எல்லைகளை மூடியதற்கு விவசாயிகள் சங்கம் கடும் கண்டனம் தெரிவித்துள்ளது. "பஞ்சாப் மக்கள், தாங்கள் எதிரி தேசத்து மக்களாக கருதப்படுவதைப் போன்று உணர்வதாக", அரியானா மற்றும் மத்திய அரசு மீதுவிவசாயிகள் அமைப்பான கீர்த்தி கிஷான் சங்கம் குற்றம் சாட்டியுள்ளது.

இது தொடர்பாக வெளியிடப்பட்டுள்ள அறிக்கையில், "கான்கிரீட் தடுப்புச் சுவர்கள், இரும்பு ஆணி வேலிகள் மாநில எல்லைகளில் தடுப்பு அரணாக ஏற்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளன.பாஜக அரசு மகக்ளை பயமுறுத்த பயங்கரமான சூழலை உருவாக்கி வருகிறது, போராட்டக்காரர்களை நாட்டின் எதிரிகளை போல நடத்துகிறது" என்று கண்டனம் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.⍐

தீவிரமடையும் விவசாயிகள் போராட்டம்! - சாலையில் தடுப்புச்சுவர், ஆணிகளுடன் டெல்லி காவல்துறை

துரைராஜ் குணசேகரன் ஆனந்த விகடன் 02 Feb 2021 

மத்திய அரசு கொண்டுவந்த புதிய வேளாண் சட்டங்களுக்கு எதிராக, தலைநகர் டெல்லியில் இரண்டு மாதங்களை கடந்து போராட்டம் நடைபெற்றுவருகிறது. அரசுடன் நடத்தப்பட்ட 11 சுற்றுப் பேச்சு வார்த்தைகளும் தோல்வியடைந்திருக்கும் நிலையில், `குடியரசுத் தினம் அன்று நடைபெற்ற டிராக்டர் பேரணியில் ஊடுருவிய சிலர் கலவரத்தை ஏற்படுத்தினர்’ என்று விவசாயிகள் தெரிவிக்கின்றனர். காயம்பட்ட காவலர்கள் சிலரும், `தங்களைத் தாக்கியது விவசாயிகள் அல்ல’ எனக் கருத்து தெரிவித்திருக்கிறார்கள். இந்தக் கலவரத்தில் 400-க்கும் அதிகமான காவல்துறையினர் காயமடைந்தனர்.

ஆணி வீதி: ஆணிகளைக் கொண்டு தடுப்புச் சுவர் ANI

நாளுக்கு நாள் வலுவடைந்துவரும் போராட்டத்தை விவசாயிகள் மேலும் தீவிரப்படுத்த முடிவுசெய்திருக்கின்றனர். விவசாயிகள் போராட்டம் நடத்திவரும் டெல்லியின் மூன்று எல்லைகளிலும் காவல்துறையினர் அதிக அளவில் குவிக்கப்பட்டிருக்கிறார்கள். போராட்டம் நடைபெறும் இடங்களுக்கு அதிக அளவில் விவசாயிகள் குவிந்துவருகிறார்கள். போராட்டத்தை முடித்துவைத்து, விவசாயிகளைக் கலைத்துவிட வேண்டும் என்பதில் காவல்துறையினர் தீவிரம் காட்டிவருகின்றனர்.

குடியரசு தினத்தன்று நடைபெற்றது போன்ற மற்றொரு சம்பவம் நடந்துவிடக் கூடாது என்பதில் காவல்துறையினர் உறுதியாக இருக்கின்றனர். அதற்காகப் பலகட்ட முன்னேற்பாடுகளைச் செய்துவருகிறார்கள். அதன் ஒரு பகுதியாக, தடுப்புகளைக் கொண்டு பலத்த பாதுகாப்புகளை ஏற்படுத்திவருகின்றனர்.

அதுமட்டுமல்லாமல், சிமென்ட் கொண்டு சாலைகளில் தற்காலிக தடுப்புகளை ஏற்படுத்திவருகின்றனர். இந்தச் சுவர்கள் எளிதில் உடைக்க முடியாத வண்ணம் கூடுதல் கான்கிரீட் கொண்டு உருவாக்கப்பட்டிருக்கிறது. தடுப்புகளுக்குப் பின்பகுதிகளில் சாலைகளில் ஆணிகளைக்கொண்டு வாகனங்கள் எதுவும் செல்லாத வண்ணமும் தடுப்புகளைக் காவல்துறையினர் ஏற்படுத்தியுள்ளனர். அதிகப்படியான கூட்டம் கூடுவதாலும், போலீஸாரின் முன்னெச்சரிக்கை நடவடிக்கையாலும் டெல்லியின் எல்லையில் பதற்றம் தொடர்கிறது!

Farmers reject Indian government's proposal

 Farmers reject Indian government's proposal

NEW DELHI, Feb. 19 (Xinhua) -- Indian farmers protesting at inter-state borders near Delhi on Monday rejected the federal government's proposal for providing minimum support price (MSP) on five crops.

The farmers said the government's proposal was "not in their interest", and that they will continue with their protests and march towards Delhi.

They said that the government's proposal did not have clarity and that they wanted the MSP on all 23 crops and not just on pulses, maize, and cotton crops.

The federal government and the farmers have held four rounds of talks over the past couple of weeks. The fourth round took place on Sunday where the government put forth a five-year plan involving the purchase of pulses, maize, and cotton crops by government agencies at the MSPs.

The farmers began their march to Delhi last Tuesday. However, they were stopped by police who had heavily barricaded roads and fired tear gas shells to disperse them at the Shambhu border in Haryana, about 200 km from Delhi.

Besides the MSP, the farmers are also demanding pension for farmers and farm-laborers, farm-debt waiver, withdrawal of police cases filed in past agitations, among others.

Source: XinhuaEditor: huaxia2024-02-20

Indian farmers reject support price contract offered by government

AMBALA, India, Feb 19 (Reuters) - Indian farmers' unions have rejected five-year contracts for minimum support prices (MSPs) proposed by the Indian government, one of their leaders said in a video posted on social media platform X on Monday.

Farmers attempt to march to the frontline of a protest, at a site where there are farmers who are marching towards New Delhi to press for the better crop prices promised to them in 2021, at Shambhu barrier, a border between Punjab and Haryana states, India, February 18, 2024. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas Purchase Licensing Rights

The Indian government has offered guaranteed support prices for pulses, corn and cotton in a bid to break a deadlock with protesting farmers, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said on Sunday after week-long clashes between security forces and protesters.

Tear gas and barricades were used to deter the farmers, who form an influential voting bloc, months ahead of a general election due by May, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks a record third term.

Goyal's comments followed marathon talks with farmers' unions after the protesters, who are demanding higher prices backed by law for nearly two dozen crops, were halted at a distance of about 200 kms (125 miles) from New Delhi.

Goyal said the government had proposed five-year contracts for minimum support prices (MSPs) to farmers who diversify their crops to grow cotton, pigeon peas, black matpe, red lentils and corn, paid by co-operative groups it promotes.

"These organisations will buy the produce and there will be no limit on quantity," Goyal told reporters in the northern city of Chandigarh, adding that a similar price guarantee would also be offered to farmers who diversify and produce cotton.

(Pic:Farmers adjust a poster put up on a signboard on the national highway near the site where farmers, who are marching towards New Delhi to press for the better crop prices promised to them in 2021, gather at Shambhu Barrier, a border crossing between Punjab and Haryana states, 

India, February 19, 2024. REUTERS/Anushree Fadnavis Purchase Licensing Rights)

The farmers' unions had said they would decide on the proposal within a day or two, after reaching consensus among themselves. But Jagjit Singh Dallewal - one of their leaders - said in a video by Reuters partner ANI that the unions had rejected the proposal.

Farm analysts said the government has completely sidestepped the demands of farmers.

"The government should have at least addressed one of the main demands of a legal guarantee for MSPs," said Devinder Sharma, an independent food and trade policy analyst.

The government's proposed solutions diverge significantly from what the farmers have been advocating for, indicating a lack of seriousness on the government's part regarding the whole issue, Sharma added.

Switching more crops to pulses from rice and wheat that require more water will not only benefit a depleting water table but help cut back on imports of pulses.

The world's biggest importer of pulses, India has struggled to hold back increases in the prices of pigeon peas and black matpe.

Domestic corn demand has also been rising as the poultry and ethanol industries boost consumption.

Police have used tear gas and barricades to stop thousands of farmers, who mainly grow wheat and rice, from marching to New Delhi, to press their demand that the government ensures a minimum price for all their produce.

The government announces support prices for more than 20 crops each year to set a benchmark, but state agencies primarily buy rice and wheat at the support level, benefiting around just 7% of farmers who raise those crops.

Reporting Shilpa Jamkhandikar, Rajendra Jadhav, Mayank Bhardwaj and by Chandni Shah; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Emelia Sithole-Matarise

Farmer leaders reject govt's proposal over MSP, to go ahead with 'Delhi Chalo' march on Feb 21

Amid the ongoing farmers' protest, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha -SKM, on 19 February rejected the proposal by the Union Ministers at Chandigarh to have a five-year contract with farmers to procure 5 crops namely maize, cotton, arhar, tur, massur, and urad at MSP.

Apart from this, the farmers' body also rejected the Union Ministers' proposal for the promotion of crop diversification.

According to the SKM, the Centre proposes to divert and dilute the demand of MSP@C2+50% for all crops with guaranteed procurement which was promised in the BJP Manifesto in the 2014 General Election and originally recommended by the National Farmers Commission chaired by M S Swaminathan and submitted in 2006.

SKM declared that nothing below MSP@C2+50% for all crops with guaranteed procurement is acceptable to the farmers of India. "If the Modi Government is unable to implement the promise made by BJP, then let the Prime Minister be honest to tell that to the people," the official release said.

"The Ministers are not ready to clarify whether the MSP they proposed is based on A2+FL +50% or C2+50%. There is no transparency in the discussion though discussions have taken place four times. This is against the democratic culture established by SKM during the 2020-21 historic Farmers' Struggle at Delhi Borders. During those negotiations, every point of discussions and the stand of farmers were placed for the public information by the SKM," the release added.

SKM sought the Union Ministers to clarify why the Modi government is silent on the demands of loan waiver, no privatisation of electricity, comprehensive public sector crop insurance scheme, Rs.10000 monthly pension to farmers above 60 years age, dismiss and prosecute Ajay Mishra Teni, Union MoS (Home) the main conspirator of Lakhimpur Kheri massacre of farmers among others.

The farmer body has given the call to organise peaceful demonstrations, public meetings, and torchlight processions in the constituencies of MP’s of BJP and NDA across India.

Among others, the body also condemned the BJP-led Haryana state government for unleashing brutal attacks on the farmers agitating on the border and also on the farmer activists within Haryana. It added that the general body meeting of SKM scheduled on 21-22 February will take stock of the situation and will plan future actions to intensify the struggle till all the demands are met.

Haryana to join farmers' protest:

Earlier in the day, farmer leader Gurnam Singh Charuni on 19 February said that Haryana will also join the agitation after 21 February, if the government does not agree to include oilseeds and bajra for procurement.

Apart from grains and wheat, the government agreed to procure pulses, maize, and cotton for procurement.

There is time until 21st February. The government should think and understand that these two things (Oilseeds and Bajra) are very important (for procurement). Just like they mentioned pulses, maize, and cotton, they should include these two crops too. If these two are not included, we will have to think about it again...Yesterday, we took a decision that if the government doesn't agree by 21st February, Haryana too will join the agitation," ANI quoted Gurnam Singh Charuni as saying.

With agency inputs.

Protesting farmers during a tractor rally ITO in New Delhi 2021-ANI

108,100 MSMES Shut Down Due to 2022 Economic Crisis

108,100 MSMES Shut Down Due to 2022 Economic Crisis

By Paneetha Ameresekere Ceylon Today February 16, 2024 

The 2022 economic crisis saw the closure of 108,100 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) resulting in job losses amounting to a minimum of 119,100 to a maximum of 475,800, extrapolation of data provided by the Census and Statistics Department (CSD) showed. 

In a publication titled Impact of Economic Crisis on MSMEs 2022 released by CSD this week, segmentalising the MSMEs closed, said that 105,600 businesses in micro sector, 2,400 in small sector and about 100 in medium sector have been closed due to the economic crisis.

MSMEs play a pivotal role narrowing the socioeconomic divide within the counties. In Sri Lanka, the MSMEs contribute significantly, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the country’s GDP, the report said.

“However, the scarcity of foreign exchange (FX) and the increase in exchange rates are both having a negative impact on MSMEs in Sri Lanka,” the CSD report warned. These problems are making it difficult for MSMEs to import raw materials, equipment and software, which are slowing down their production and growth. The problems are also making it more expensive for MSMEs to do business, which are reducing their profits. These findings indicate that Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) needs to take a comprehensive approach to addressing the scarcity of FX and the increase in exchange rates, it said. 

In summary, the prominent challenge encountered by enterprises across all scales is ‘increasing of interest rates’ where an overwhelming proportion of nine out of every 10 enterprises surveyed have undergone a substantial ordeal due to the exacerbated interest rate surge, CSD said. 

Overall, the most common areas of support expected by MSMEs are all related to financial assistance, to help them cope with the economic crisis, CSD said. Therefore, the Government needs to provide financial assistance, as well as other forms of support, to help MSMEs survive and thrive, the report further said. 

In summary, the prominent challenge encountered by enterprises across all scales is ‘increasing of interest rates’ where an overwhelming proportion of nine out of every 10 enterprises surveyed have undergone a substantial ordeal due to the exacerbated interest rate surge, CSD said. 

‘Decrease in repayment capacity due to reduction in income’ is notably afflicting 70 per cent of enterprises across all scales in light of the prevailing economic crisis. Subsequently, the third salient challenge manifests as the ‘restriction of credit facilities by banks and financial institutions’, impacting slightly over 50 per cent of enterprises surveyed. ‘Inability to find assets or guarantors for collateral’ is  the fourth major challenge which is approximately one out of every three enterprises in micro and small scale and one out of every five enterprises in medium scale enterprises faced, the report said.

“This report presents findings of the survey conducted to access the Impact of ‘Economic Crisis on MSMEs engaged in Non-Agricultural Sector of Sri Lanka’ upon the request of the Presidential Secretariat,” CSD said.

In extrapolating the job losses, they are based on the fact that the CSD defined as ‘main economic sector scale criteria (No. of Persons Engaged)’ as ‘Industry and Construction’: ‘Micro’ 1 – 4, ‘Small’ 5 – 24 and ‘Medium’ 25 – 199. ‘Trade’: ‘Micro’ 1 – 3, ‘Small’ 4 – 14 and ‘Medium’ 15 – 34 and ‘Services’ Micro 1 – 4, ‘Small’ 5 – 15 and Medium 6 – 74 respectively and averaging those employment numbers.

Afterwards, extrapolating those numbers to the numbers of micro, small and medium enterprises closed, CSD hasn’t segmentalised the number of ‘Industry and Construction’, ‘Trade’ and ‘Services’ categories closed due to the economic crisis, nor how many of such belonged to the ‘micro’, ‘small’ and ‘medium’ sectors either.⍐

AKD’s diplomatic odyssey: NPP’s foray into India and the road ahead

 AKD’s diplomatic odyssey: NPP’s foray into India and the road ahead

This move by India is not merely diplomatic; it symbolises a calculated strategy to position the
NPP as a significant regional player

By Shantha Jayarathne Daily FT Friday, 16 February 2024

The recent five-day sojourn of Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the National People’s Power (NPP), and his delegation to India has become a focal point in Sri Lanka’s political discourse. In an unprecedented move, the Indian Government extended an official invitation to NPP leaders, signalling a departure from conventional diplomatic interactions. As the visit unfolded, it not only deepened bilateral ties but also shed light on the evolving political dynamics within Sri Lanka, presenting both challenges and opportunities for the NPP.

Unprecedented invitation and historical context

India’s decision to invite National People’s Power (NPP) Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake has made headlines in both local and Indian papers. This move is remarkable for two primary reasons. Firstly, the NPP is not the country’s main opposition, securing only 3% of the vote in the 2020 General Elections. The fact that it received an official invitation from New Delhi indicates India’s nuanced perception of Sri Lanka’s politics, recognising alternative voices beyond mainstream parties. Secondly, it extended an invitation to a party that historically harboured anti-India sentiments, particularly during the 1980s.

Economic cooperation and regional security

High-level talks between the NPP delegation and Indian officials, including Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan, delved into multifaceted aspects of Sri Lanka’s landscape. Economic cooperation took centre stage, with discussions addressing the island nation’s economic challenges and potential avenues for collaboration. Additionally, the conversation extended to regional security concerns, showcasing the shared commitment to addressing common threats in the Indian Ocean region.

Political landscape in flux

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s burgeoning popularity, especially after the 2022 mass uprising, known as ‘Aragalaya,’ is a key focal point of the visit’s significance. Additionally, the recent opinion polls by many local and foreign research groups have indicated that Dissanayake is the favoured candidate for the upcoming Presidential Election, positioning the NPP as a formidable political force. The visit to India, against the backdrop of two national elections looming later this year, underscores the shifting political tides in Sri Lanka.

Evolving popularity and electoral dynamics

While critics often dismiss the JVP-NPP as an archaic and outdated party, recent developments suggest otherwise. The party is gaining ground rapidly, capitalising on its outsider status and presenting itself as an alternative to mainstream parties like the United National Party (UNP) Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). With every street corner expressing support for the NPP, the visit to India reinforces its growing influence, particularly among the youth.

Strategic manoeuvre: India’s swift move

As political analyst Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka observes, India’s swift move in being the first country to recognise the NPP checks China’s influence. The NPP has established connections with the Communist Party of China, but Delhi’s strategic manoeuvre elevates the NPP’s global presence. This move by India is not merely diplomatic; it symbolises a calculated strategy to position the NPP as a significant regional player. 

Economic policy and ground realities

Contrary to popular perceptions, the NPP’s economic policy is evolving. While critics argue that the party lacks an understanding of ground realities and economic difficulties, the NPP’s commitment to revolutionary politics through elections suggests an adaptability to changing circumstances. The party’s identification of the economic rift between the rich and poor resonates with public sentiment, especially in the face of austerity measures implemented by the government along with the IMF prescription.

Exploration of innovation hubs

During his visit, Anura Kumara Dissanayake explored innovation hubs in Gujarat, India. This initiative underscores a commitment to fostering technological cooperation between Sri Lanka and India. The visit to hi-tech centres provided an opportunity for the NPP delegation to witness firsthand the strides made in information technology and research, potentially paving the way for collaborations in these fields.

Engagement with research centres and academic institutes

Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s strategic engagement with various research centres and academic institutions in India during his visit holds immense significance. The delegation’s discussions with think tanks and research organisations demonstrate a shared interest in knowledge exchange and collaborative research initiatives. This proactive approach not only enriches the political dialogue between Sri Lanka and India but also opens avenues for mutual cooperation in areas such as science, technology, and academia, fostering a more comprehensive partnership.

Strategic discussions in Kerala

In addition to the exploration of technological advancements in Gujarat, the NPP delegation’s visit to the South Indian state of Kerala marks a significant chapter in their diplomatic journey. Kerala, known for its unique socio-economic and political dynamics, provided an opportunity for Dissanayake and his comrades to engage in strategic discussions with senior state government leaders and political figures. This regional outreach showcases the NPP’s commitment to understanding diverse perspectives within India and fostering relationships beyond the national capital, reinforcing the importance of sub-national diplomacy in shaping bilateral ties.

Cultural and regional understanding

Beyond the political and economic dimensions, the delegation’s visit to Kerala allows for a deeper cultural and regional understanding. Kerala, with its rich history, diverse traditions, and unique governance models, offers insights that go beyond the political arena. Such engagements are crucial for fostering people-to-people connections, building a foundation for sustainable diplomatic relationships. Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s strategic approach to exploring various facets of India, from its technological hubs to culturally rich regions, adds a nuanced layer to the significance of his visit and highlights the NPP’s commitment to a comprehensive understanding of India’s multifaceted landscape.

Conclusion

India’s decision to engage with the NPP speaks volumes about the evolving political dynamics in Sri Lanka. The recognition of the party’s rising influence, especially in an election year, highlights India’s astute approach to regional geopolitics. As the NPP gains ground and reshapes its economic policies, the visit to India becomes a crucial chapter in the party’s trajectory, one that may have far-reaching implications not only for Sri Lanka’s political future but also for India’s regional interests. 

(The writer is a former Senior Consultant at Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration (SLIDA) and can be reached through shantha323@gmail.com.)

JVP-led NPP will not undermine India’s national security

 NEWS

AKD: JVP-led NPP will not undermine India’s national 

security

2024/02/17  The Island

By Rathindra Kuruwita

A National People’s Power (NPP) administration will not do anything that will undermine Indian security, but it will maintain economic and political relations with China, the NPP delegation to India told Indian officials, JVP/NPP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said in an interview with Sirasa TV, on Thursday (15).

In his first interview since his return to the country, Dissanayake said India had extended an invitation to the NPP in December.

“However, we had other commitments in December. One of them was visiting China at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party. We told India that we maintained full transparency in our external relations.”

The NPP leader said that the incumbent government’s privatisation drive had attracted both Indian and Chinese investors, and that had led to friction between the two major powers.

“The government has decided to privatise Sri Lanka Telecom, and the two main contenders are Chinese and Indian interests. It’s the same with Lanka Hospitals. It is the government that wants Amul to buy NLDB.”

From the J.R. Jayewardene administration onwards, successive governments followed disastrous foreign policies that made Sri Lanka a battleground between major powers, Dissanayake said.

“JRJ beckoned Americans to Sri Lanka, and at that time, India was with Soviet Union (Russia). This angered India. Then, other governments tried to balance China and India by selling each country valuable national assets and giving each country contracts that didn’t adhere to the tender process,” the NPP leader said.

The NPP adheres to a non-aligned foreign policy, Engaging all stakeholders transparently is the key to avoiding misconceptions and triggering hostilities, he said.

States operate in an information-sparse environment, which often leads them to operate on assumptions. The NPP believes in transparency and engagement in foreign and domestic affairs because of that very reason, he said.

“We know that some individuals, who frequently attend Embassy functions, are spreading misinformation about us. On the other hand, we don’t really have the time to attend all these functions. However, in recent months, diplomatic missions have reached out to us because they think we will win elections, and we have used these opportunities to explain what our policies really are.”

The NPP leader said that their political opponents are very worried about their Indian visit because it dispels the narratives they have built about the party.

“One of the claims made was that the NPP has no international connections or standing. Anyone who can think logically can understand that states engage with political actors that have power. India, China, the US, and many others are now engaging with us because they think we will win elections. Some people believed Ranil knew foreign leaders personally and that they would bail the country out. How has that worked out? States act out of strategic considerations. We have said this from the beginning. However, some of our political leaders thought it was a good idea to put a lot of their eggs in the ‘NPP has no international standing’ basket. Now this has been proven obviously wrong, and they are panicking,” he said. (High Lights Author)

Dissanayake added that they are well aware that the two main parties and their affiliates will do everything in their power to thwart an NPP win.

“This is not like Ranil replacing Mahinda or Ranil replacing Gota. A lot of crooked elements are afraid of us coming into power. They will do anything to stop us, and already we are seeing strange political bedfellows emerging,” he said.

இலங்கைக்குள் நுழையும் இந்திய நாணயமும் வங்கிகளும்

 India’s UPI Reaches Paris, Singapore and UAE

The payments game

By Menaka Doshi 15 February 2024 Bloomberg

UPI’s Global Ambitions

Seven countries and the Eiffel Tower mark the beginning of what could be a significant year for the internationalization of UPI.

Starting this month, Indians can buy a ticket to visit the iconic tower in Paris using the Unified Payments Interface platform. They will be able to transact at almost 3 million merchant establishments across these seven Asian countries and remit money from the UAE and Singapore — which account for a fourth of the $125 billion remitted to India in 2023.

The numbers, still insignificant compared to the more than 250 million local QR code points, will be slow at the start, Rahul Matthan, founding partner at law firm Trilegal, said to me over the phone. Then, with a few successes, the hockey stick curve comes in. Even when the numbers become significant they will just be a small fraction of what they are going to be once this kicks off, he said.

That’s how it went locally — from 920 million transactions in 2017-18, UPI’s first full year of operations — to 84 billion in 2022-23. January clocked 12.2 billion, almost twice the monthly average of last year. The target is 1 billion transactions per day by 2026-27.

India's UPI Travels Abroad

Access points in 7 countries

UPI's global outreach, first recommended by a Nandan Nilekani-led committee, is aimed at building high-speed pipes to achieve real-time, lower-cost, cross-border transactions and propagating an Indian digital finance architecture in countries where it has trade, travel and diaspora ties.

While the momentum is visible, the benefits will take time to accrue. For instance, an Indian currently visiting the UAE may think this newsletter is wrong about the expanding acceptability of UPI because most commercial establishments that are UPI enabled won't have signs up yet. That’s a work in progress.

National Payments Corporation of India, the agency tasked with operating UPI in India and abroad, is set to double UPI acceptability points in the UAE and Singapore. Yet merchant visibility — signs that show UPI is accepted there — could take up to 12 months and only then will transaction traffic pick up.

Reach is one challenge, lowering transaction costs is the other. Cross-border payments cost a minimum 4-5% in transfer fees and foreign exchange mark ups. UPI's leaner model, which has fewer intermediaries, has the potential to cut transfer fees by a quarter. Foreign exchange conversion costs are tougher to lower unless settlements are done directly by central banks or someday via their digital currencies. As yet it’s not clear if either have come down.

Raising the limit on transaction values, both for remittances and merchant payments, and devising a settlement mechanism for cross-border payment disputes are among the other hurdles UPI will have to overcome if it wants to scale up its global presence and over time enable business-to-business transactions as well.

As NPCI sets its sight on the US, UK, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan, Malaysia and 17 other countries on its first shortlist, other countries are stepping up their payments game. Some ASEAN countries have expanded regional links. China, the giant in digital payments by value, is dominated by private wallets like Alipay that already operate in many countries.

Few of these have the benefit of UPI’s open architecture and operability across banks and payment systems.

That advantage would have been best served by the export of the UPI protocol — or its design — making it easier for countries to interconnect, Matthan said. But if each country is sticking with its own way of doing payments, India will find expertise in building “middleware” to connect systems, he said.

Full adoption is a tough diplomatic sell except to some groups of low income countries. Yet, were the NPCI to succeed in that, it could lead the way for export of other elements of India’s digital public infrastructure in a packaged solution format, as a Carnegie India paper puts it.

That would mark a potent combination of the country’s economic ascent, financial innovation, hard diplomacy and soft power. Till then, the view from the top of the Eiffel will have to do. Breathtaking.⇡

UPI payments launched in Sri Lanka, Mauritius to boost economic ties

Press Trust of India New Delhi Feb 12 2024 

India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) services were on Monday rolled out in Sri Lanka and Mauritius, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing it as linking historic ties with modern digital technology.

India's RuPay card services were also launched in Mauritius at a virtual ceremony attended by Prime Minister Modi, his Mauritian counterpart Pravind Jugnauth and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

In his remarks, Modi hoped the new fintech services would help the two nations and said the UPI is implementing "new responsibilities of uniting partners with India".

"Today is a special day for the three friendly countries of the Indian Ocean Region as we are linking our historic ties with modern digital technology," he said.

"I believe that Sri Lanka and Mauritius will benefit from the UPI system," Modi said.

The prime minister said digital public infrastructure has brought about a revolutionary change in India. He also highlighted India's focus on its "neighbourhood first policy".

"Be it a natural disaster, health-related, economic or supporting on the international stage, India has been the first responder, and will continue to be so," he said.

The launch of the Indian services in Sri Lanka and Mauritius came amid New Delhi's increasing bilateral economic ties with the two countries.

The move enables the availability of UPI settlement services for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka and Mauritius as well as for Mauritian nationals travelling to India.

Developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), UPI is an instant real-time payment system to facilitate inter-bank transactions through mobile phones. RuPay is a global card payment network from India, with wide acceptance at shops, ATMs, and online.

UPI in Sri Lanka – How will it work and what will be its benefits?

February 16, 2024 by Makarand Jamdade

As per various sources 12th February means today will mark the launch of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Sri Lanka and Mauritius.  

UPI in Sri Lanka

 The expansion of these two popular tourist hotspots mark an important milestone in fostering digital connectivity and facilitating faster, seamless transactions between nations .

This move reflects the growing adoption and acceptance of India’s digital payment infrastructure worldwide, reinforcing its position as a leader in the fintech space.

The effort by Indian authorities to promote the use of its payment systems globally reflect a strategic push towards financial integration and collaboration.  

The transactions of UPI are secured with multi-layered authentication, involving UPI PIN, fingerprint, or pattern locks. It ensures that your financial data remains protected.

How will UPI work in Sri Lanka?

India’s Unified Payment Interface services have been launched in Sri Lanka and Mauritius at a virtual ceremony on Monday, in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mauritian PM Pravind Jugnauth and Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesingle.

India’s UPI services in Sri Lanka will be given by Sri Lanka’s LankaPay. The procedure of working UPI in form of steps are given below 

Indian citizens visiting Sri Lanka are required to activate UPI international on their preferred UPI app for making QR code-based merchant payments in Sri Lanka. 

Scan the LankaPay QR code

Enter the needed or payable amount

Enter UPI PIN

Finally payment is done successfully

What will be the benefits of UPI in Sri Lanka

The new UPI service, crafted through the National Payment Corporation of India, represents an instant real time payment system designed to facilitate inter-bank transactions by mobile phones. 

The introduction of UPI settlement services will give transactions for Indian nationals travelling to Sri Lanka which is a highly good facility.

The UPI of Sri Lanka is a mobile based payment system in India that permits round the clock payment via virtual payment address.

It powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application, merging various banking features, seamless fund routing and merchant payments into a single hood.

The UPI eliminates the requirement and shares lengthy bank account details for each transaction. Without UPI ID users can make payment through simply entering a unique identifier, making the procedure quick and hassle free.

RuPay is a globally recognized card payment network originating from India with widespread acceptance at various points for sale, ATMs, and online platforms.  

For Sri Lanka this UPI provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the procedure of payment. With UPI customers easily make payments with their smartphones, eliminating the requirement to carry cash and physical bank branches.  

This launch aligns with New Delhi’s expanding bilateral economic ties with Sri Lanka marking an important step towards strengthening digital connectivity and financial collaboration between these nations.

The Ministry of External affairs emphasised India’s Leadership in Fintech innovation and Digital Public Infrastructure, with the prime minister prioritising the sharing of experiences in development and innovation with partner countries.

A key emphasis of the Indian government has been on ensuring that the advantages of UPI are not limited only, but other countries benefit from it.  

The Modi government has been successfully pushing for a worldwide acceptance of UPI. Indian visitors can utilize their UPI-enabled application to make a payment by scanning a QR code on the Eiffel Tower Website.⍐

இலங்கைக்குள் நுழையும் இந்திய நாணயமும் வங்கிகளும் 

இலங்கையின் மூன்று முக்கிய அரச வங்கிகள் தற்போது பெரும் நெருக்கடியை எதிர்நோக்கி வருவதாக கொழும்பு பல்கலைக்கழக பொருளியல் துறை பேராசிரியர் கோபாலபிள்ளை அமிர்தலிங்கம் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

இந்த அரச வங்கிகளின் வீழ்ச்சி காரணமாக இந்திய வங்கிகள் பல கொழும்பு உள்ளிட்ட பல நகரங்களில் தமது கிளைகளை ஆரம்பித்துள்ளதாகவும், இதன்மூலம் இந்திய ரூபாய்கள் விரைவில் இலங்கைக்குள் நுழைய வாய்ப்புள்ளதாகவும் குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளார்.

லங்காசிறியின் ஊடறுப்பு நிகழ்ச்சியில் கலந்து கொண்டு கருத்து தெரிவிக்கும் போதே அவர் இந்த விடயத்தைக் கூறியுள்ளார்.

மேலும், மத்திய வங்கியில் இருக்கும் தொழில்நுட்பத்தின் மூலம் 10 இலட்சத்திற்கும் அதிகமாக வைப்பிலிடுபவர்களுக்கு பெரும் சிக்கல்கள் உள்ளதாகவும், அரசாங்கம் பல கடுமையாக கட்டுப்பாடுகள் மூலம் இறுக்க முற்படுவதாகவும் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

எனவே அரச வங்கிகள் வீழ்ச்சியடையும் போது தனியார் வங்கிகளும் வீழ்ச்சியடையும் எனவும் எச்சரித்துள்ளார்.⍐