Farmers Movement Archive

Congress’s farm laws may not override those of Centre

NEW DELHI: As Congress weighs options to neutralise the controversial central farm laws, it emerges that the party-ruled states may desist from measures which may set off a confrontation with the BJP-led Centre. It is learnt that Punjab and Chhattisgarh may bring their own bills which may not directly override the three central farm laws. But they may contain clauses for protection of Mandis, mandatory purchase at MSP and penal clause for violations among others, to check the “worrying” provisions of the recently promulgated Central laws. Sources in the two states said legal experts are being consulted to explore the options available and the initial feedback is that states can bring “protection for farmers” with measures relating to “subjects mentioned in the State and concurrent lists” which will prevail over the Centre’s provisions but will be legally sound. This thinking goes against the AICC’s suggestion to party-ruled states that they amend the central laws with state bills under Article 254(2). While such bills passed by state assemblies would require the assent of the President and would thus be blocked by the BJP-led Centre, Congress believes it will help the party make a strong political statement with the farmers by showing its opposition as implacable. But sources in Punjab and Chhattisgarh said AICC’s suggestion via a model bill was just an option among others. “We would like to institute an Act that will undo the dangers posed by the central farm laws without being legally vulnerable or susceptible to being blocked by the Modi government,” an informed source said in Punjab while the same sentiment was echoed by a key official in Chhattisgarh.

The Times of India

2020-10-11

India