Farmers Movement Archive

Govt to hold assembly session on farm laws: CM

JAIPUR: Chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said the state government will soon hold an assembly session to discuss the agriculture laws. “We are examining the laws constitutionally to see how we can stop its implementation in the state. Our priority is to safeguard the interest of farmers and save them from big corporates,” said Gehlot. Gehlot was speaking at a farmer’s conference organised by the ruling Congress at Birla Auditorium on Saturday. Tearing into the laws, chief minister Ashok Gehlot said the central government has taken the advantage of Covid-19 situation and passed the bills in both the Houses in an arbitrary manner. “The Centre didn’t hold any discussion with state governments, farmers and experts. The agriculture is the right of the state government which was undermined by the central government,” said Gehlot. Questioning the intention of the central government, Gehlot said farm laws will create difficulty for the farmers. “It is an attempt to finish the mandi system and giving a free hand to the corporates to take advantage of the vulnerable condition of the farmers. The contract system in the new laws is suitable for farmers with landholding of 500 acres or 100 acres,” he said. “The average land holding is less than 2 acres in the country. The tall claims by the central government will prove to be counterproductive for the farmers,” said Gehlot who accused the central government of interfering in the functioning of state government. Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) has termed agriculture laws as ‘pro-capitalist’. State Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra said that agriculture laws are meant to provide benefits to the corporates at the expense of farmers. “The Congress has cleared to stand with the farmers at any cost. Our party is committed to farmers and we will go to any extent to defend Congress. Farmers in the state are eager to hit the streets, but the government has assured them to stay indoors and safe,” he said.

The Times of India

2020-10-11

Jaipur