All India Kisan Sabha, History, Formation, Objectives

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) is the farmers’ wing of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), advocating for agricultural reforms and farmers’ rights. It played a significant role in shaping India’s agrarian movements during India’s struggle for independence. It was formed to address the widespread exploitation faced by farmers under the colonial system and oppressive landlords.

The movement gained momentum in the 1930s and culminated in the official formation of AIKS in 1936. Since then, the organization has been at the forefront of several key protests and reforms, advocating for fair policies for the agricultural community, which remains its core focus even today.

All India Kisan Sabha

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) emerged during the Indian independence movement, a period marked by the severe plight of farmers suffering under exploitative practices from landlords and colonial rule. Its roots can be traced back to 1929 when Sahajanand Saraswati established the Bihar Provincial Kisan Sabha (BPKS) to mobilize farmers against the encroachment of zamindars on their tenancy rights. This initiative ignited broader farmers’ movements throughout India.

All India Kisan Sabha Formation

The peasant movement gradually gained momentum and expanded across various regions of India. These significant developments on the agrarian front eventually led to the establishment of the All India Kisan Sabha during the Lucknow session of the Indian National Congress in April 1936, with Swami Sahajanand Saraswati becoming its first president. Notable members included N.G. Ranga, Ram Manohar Lohia, Jayaprakash Narayan, Acharya Narendra Dev, and Bankim Mukerji.

All India Kisan Sabha Objectives

The primary objective of the All India Kisan Sabha was to address the economic and social challenges farmers face in India. These objectives include the abolition of the zamindari system and feudal practices that exploited peasants, ensuring land redistribution to benefit landless and marginalized farmers. It also advocated for reduced land revenue and taxes on agricultural produce.

All India Kisan Sabha Activities

The All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS) has organized various agrarian movements and mobilized farmers to fight for their rights. From leading pre-independence peasant struggles such as the Tebhaga Movement and Telangana Peasant Armed Struggle to recent protests against three Farm laws, AIKS has consistently championed the cause of fair agricultural policies. Its activities have focused on building unity among farmers, advocating for their rights, and pushing for legislative reforms to improve their livelihood.

All India Kisan Sabha UPSC PYQs

1. Q) Consider the following pairs : (UPSC Prelims 2019)

Movement: Organization Leader

1. All India Anti-Untouchability League: Mahatma Gandhi
2. All India Kisan Sabha: Swami Sahajanad Saraswati
3. Self Respect Movement: E.V. Ramaswami Naicker

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)