Farmers demand restoration of panchayats in Noida

Farmers today demanded restoration of panchayats in Noida abolished earlier this year by the state government.
Farmers from 81 villages at Mohiapur village here held a meeting under the banner of Noida Vikas Manch protesting the abolition of panchayats in Noida Authority area and forcing building bye-laws on villagers.
Villagers said if panchayats are not restored back and the order for getting building plans for construction in villages approved by Authority was not withdrawn, they will intensify the agitation.
They gave 15-day notice to the state government for accepting their demands.
Noida Vikas Manch president Joginder Awana said, "Samajwadi Party government in connivance with capitalists and Authority officers have abolished panchayat elections in Noida and Greater Noida area. Noida chairman repeatedly wrote letters to state government for abolition of panchayat elections."

Villages under the Noida Authority constituted as per section 12A of the UP Industrial Area Development Act cease to exist and the Authority will develop the villages at par with sectors.

Now, farmers bodies are holding protests at different levels for restoration of panchayat elections.
Some of the farmer leaders who attended the meeting include Atar Singh, Ravinder Pradhan, Narinder Bhati, Ram Kishan Chauhan, Gajraj Singh and Bhoop Singh.
A day before farmers had held protest at DM camp office at Noida under Manvir Singh Bhati and other farmers leaders.