Non-BJP states examine options to fight farm laws
Item
Title
Non-BJP states examine options to fight farm laws
Description
NEW DELHI: Even as the three Congress-ruled states of Punjab, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh are mulling on calling special sessions of the state assembly to override the three Central farm Acts, many other states with non-BJP governments are upping the ante against these laws as farmers take to the streets. Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has set up a cabinet subcommittee to examine all aspects of the new laws and the stand the state government should take - on whether the legislations should be implemented in the state or otherwise. Public works minister Ashok Chavan told cabinet that the state government should invoke the provisions of Article 254(2) and submit a report to the central government. Naveen Patnaik-led BJD in Odisha has announced forming a committee of MPs, MLAs and farmer leaders to study the laws and suggest what the state should do. Sources in the West Bengal government said the state would wait for the Supreme Court ruling, with Congress MP from Kerala TN Prathapan moving the apex court challenging the provisions of the laws. The Kerala cabinet has entrusted the state planning board to prepare a report on the requirements and shortcomings from the point of view of farmers. The government will then take a call, including that on whether to approach the Supreme Court. Kerala law secretary has been asked by the cabinet to study the Acts and file a report on possible legal steps. Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao is working on a new agriculture marketing policy which will allow the state to act as an intermediary between farmers and buyers. The move comes in the wake of Parliament passing The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill which allows farmers and traders to freely trade among themselves anywhere in the country. Sources told that the new farm laws don't explicitly bar states from acting as intermediaries which the Telangana government hopes to take advantage of.
Publisher
The Times of India
Date
2020-10-06
Coverage
India