NHRC notice to Tamil Nadu over deaths of farmers

The National Human Rights Commission has issued notice to the Tamil Nadu government following the reported death of 106 farmers during last one month due to the failure of crops.

The apex human right panel observed that the farmers are required to be brought out of the agrarian crisis, which have been adversely affecting them since long.

"Failure of a crop not only affects the farmers, financially but also puts them under tremendous stress and mental agony. The entire family collapses when a farmer dies or commits suicide," it said in a statement on Thursday.

The NHRC said that despite being the most crucial and significant section of the society, the farmers are feeling neglected by the policy makers.

"The issue is not only relating to their right to life and dignity of the victims but also indicative of failure and inaction by the State agencies. There is a need for sincere implementation of the laws and policies made for the farming sector especially, the small farmers," it said.

Following the lack of care by the state agencies towards farmers, the commission issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government and asked its Chief Secretary to give a detailed report in the matter within six weeks.

It has also asked to inform about the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the state government.

--IANS

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