National Farmer’s Day, also known as Kisan Diwas, is annually observed across India on 23rd December to highlight the significance of farmers’ contribution to the overall social and economic development of India.
The day also marks the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a champion of the Indian farmers’ community, who served as the 5th Prime Minister(PM) of India from 1979 to 1980.
- 23rd December 2023 marks the 121st birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh.
Background:
i.In 2001, the Government of India (GoI) declared 23 December, the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, as Kisan Diwas or National Farmer’s Day to recognize his contribution towards the agriculture sector and the welfare of the farmers.
ii.The 1st Kisan Diwas (National Farmer’s Day) was observed on 23 December 2001.
About Chaudhary Charan Singh:
i.Chaudhary Charan Singh, popularly known as Chaudhary Saheb, was a scholar of Indian economics. He was born on 23 December 1902 at Noorpur in Meerut district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
ii.He passed away on 29 May 1987 in New Delhi, Delhi.
Political Career:
i.He was first elected to the United Provinces (now UP) Legislative Assembly in 1937 from Chhaprauli and represented the constituency in 1946, 1952, 1962, and 1967.
iii.He became Parliamentary Secretary in Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant’s Government in 1946 and worked in various departments such as Revenue, Medical and Public Health, etc.
iv.He served as the CM for UP twice from 1967 to 1968 and in 1970.
v.He served as the Prime Minister of India from 28 July 1979 to 14 January 1980.
Noted Works:
He authored a book titled “Shishtachar”, a book on Indian etiquette, during his imprisonments.
- Some of his noted books and pamphlets includes ‘Abolition of Zamindari’, ‘Co-operative Farming X-rayed’, ‘India’s Poverty and its Solution’, ‘Peasant Proprietorship or Land to the Workers’ and ‘Prevention of Division of Holdings Below a Certain Minimum’.
Chaudhary Charan Singh’s Contribution to Agriculture:
i.In UP, he introduced major land reforms, deemed an unparalleled contribution to improving the farm sector. Some of his notable reforms were the:
- Debt Redemption Bill of 1939; Consolidation of Holdings Act of 1953; and Uttar Pradesh Zamindari and Land Reforms Act of 1952.
Note: These acts have resulted in the abolition of the Zamindari system throughout UP.
ii.The Agricultural Produce Marketing Bill, which he introduced in the assembly in 1938, was passed in 1964 and helped improve the market linkages for the farmers.
Events:
i.On 23 December 2023, to commemorate the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath unveiled a statue of the former Prime Minister late Chaudhary Charan Singh in Moradabad district’s Bilari block.
ii.Every year, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) celebrates National Farmers Day, on 23 December.
