Farmers in Gujarat are upset about the toll tax at Khemana Toll Plaza on the Palanpur-Abu Highway. They are calling for exemption from this toll tax. A meeting was held on Sunday, where 27 villages gathered to discuss their demands. Farmers plan to protest on August 18 if their demands are not met.
The local communities argue that they should be exempt from the toll tax because they live within 20 kilometres of the toll plaza. However, the toll manager, Shailendra Singh Rajput, dismissed their requests. He stated that there is no provision for toll exemption. Instead, he suggested locals buy monthly passes for ₹100. This announcement has angered the farmers and residents.
Farmers say they need to travel to Palanpur and other nearby towns frequently for work. Paying tolls every time is a financial burden. The protest is expected to involve over 5,000 farmers, and they have warned that they may release livestock at the toll plaza if their demands are ignored. The farmers feel that they should not pay tolls when they need to travel for essential activities like farming or visiting markets.
The toll tax collection has become a contentious issue, especially during the holy month of Shravan when many Hindus travel to visit temples in the area. Local leaders have voiced that the toll tax is causing additional hardships for pilgrims as well. Farmers have also drawn comparisons to historical taxes imposed during Mughal rule, stating that the toll system is unfairly taxing their religious and daily activities.
The farmers’ anger is not just about the toll but also about the lack of basic facilities like service roads near the toll plaza. They feel that they are being treated unfairly and demand that the government enforce existing regulations that should exempt them from the toll. The protests aim to bring attention to their plight and push for better treatment from the toll operators and the government.
If their demands are not met, the farmers have pledged to escalate their protests. They are determined to ensure that their voices are heard and that they receive the exemptions they believe they are entitled to. This movement reflects a broader issue of farmers’ rights and the challenges they face in Gujarat, especially concerning government regulations and private companies’ practices.
The upcoming protest is not just about the toll tax; it is a fight for dignity and respect for rural residents. It showcases the unity among farmers and their collective power to demand change. As the date approaches, tensions are rising, and both the farmers and the toll management are preparing for the stand-off. The situation at Khemana Toll Plaza highlights the ongoing struggles of farmers in Gujarat and the need for dialogue and resolution in rural communities.