Repeal of farm laws: Govt to introduce bill in Lok Sabha on Monday
New Delhi: To repeal the three contentious farm laws, the government on Monday will introduce in Lok Sabha a new bill, which states that though “only a small group of farmers are protesting” against these legislations, the need of the hour is to take along everyone for inclusive growth.
The bill has been listed for introduction and passage in Lok Sabha on the first day of the Winter Session of Parliament on Monday.
The bill was passed by the Union Cabinet after Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an announcement that all three farm laws will be repealed in the Winter Session.
The bill will be introduced by the Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar in the house.
The ruling BJP and main opposition party Congress have issued whips to their MPs to be present on the day.
“Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar will move for leave to introduce a Bill to repeal the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation Act) Act, 2020, the Essential Commodites (Amendment) Act, 2020 and to amend the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Also to introduce the bill,” Lok Sabha’s list of business for November 29, states.
Despite the prime minister’s surprise announcement to repeal the bills, farmers’ unions have announced that they will continue with their protest until their other demands are not met. However, they have called off their proposed tractor March to Parliament on Monday.
“To enable the farmers to sell their produce at higher prices and benefit from technological improvements, farmers have been provided access to agriculture markets which will help them increase their income. With this objective three farm laws…were enacted, as a part of the government’s endeavour to improve the condition of farmers including small and marginal farmers,” the bill to repeal three farm laws states.
It also says that even though “only a group of farmers are protesting against these laws, the government has tried hard to sensitise the farmers on the importance of the farm laws and explain the merits through several meetings and other forums”.
Without taking away the existing mechanisms available to farmers, new avenues were provided for trade of their produce, the proposed legislation states.
Meanwhile, appealing protesting farmers to end their agitation, Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said the Centre has agreed to their demand of decriminalising stubble burning.
Tomar, in an official statement, said the other demand of farmers was to have a discussion on the minimum support price (MSP) and crop diversification. This demand will also be fulfilled with the setting up of a panel as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on November 19 on the day of Gurupurab.
“The farmers’ demand was to decriminalise stubble burning. The Government of India has agreed to this demand,” the minister said.
With regard to withdrawal of cases against farmers during the agitation, Tomar said this is in the domain of the state governments.
“Looking at the severity of the cases, the state governments have to take a call and the issue of compensation is also to be decided by them,” he said, adding that every state will decide as per their state legislations.
Stating that there is no justification for the continuation of the agitation after the government announced repeal of the three farm laws, Tomar said: “Therefore, I appeal to all farmers organisations to end the protest ethically and show their big heart. They should return to their respective homes.”
The minister said the protesting farmers’ had initially demanded repeal of the three farm laws, which the government agreed to keeping their interest in mind.
Press Trust of India
