Farmers Movement Archive

'Apology to countrymen': Couldn't convince a section of farmers on agri laws, will repeal all three, says PM

NEW DELHI: In a decision that took the nation by surprise, PM Modi on Friday offered an apology for being unable to convince a section of farmers about the benefits of the new farm laws and announced that they would be withdrawn in the forthcoming winter session of Parliament. Promising a new start to agitating farm unions, the PM justified the three laws meant to allow freer trade and introduce contract farming as beneficial to farmers. He lamented that a small section failed to see this fact even when it was as clear as the light of a lamp, but refrained from pointing a finger. "There must have been shortcomings in our own efforts," he said. This was the second significant retreat, not counting the reluctance to follow through with the enactment of Citizenship Amendment Act by preparing the National Population Register, when the PM has retraced steps on a major initiative. In the earlier instance, the government allowed the ordinance to change the Land Acquisition Act to die a slow death. Read AlsoFarm laws: 'No govt will dare to bring full reforms'Certain provisions of the central farm laws might have been debated fiercely, but the decision to roll back the legislations is seen as a serious setback to farm reforms, which may not now be taken up at the Centre in a comprehensive manner in near future fearing a backlash.This time, Modi made no bones about the retreat. His address to the nation on Gurpurab, the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, seemed a deliberate outreach to the Sikh community in Punjab where farmers have been particularly agitated over fears that a new system of private mandis will sound the death knell for the minimum support price-based procurement. The symbolism was in keeping with the PM's visits to gurdwaras on special days and the decision to open the Kartarpur Sahib corridor - all intended to woo Sikh opinion. "While apologising to countrymen, today I want to say sincerely that perhaps there must have been some deficiency in our tapasya that we could not explain the truth like the light of the lamp to farmer brothers," the PM said after outlining several decisions and measures the government had undertaken to improve income and benefits to the farming community. Read AlsoFarm laws repealed, PM Modi appeals protesting farmers to return home: Key pointsPM Narendra Modi on Friday announced that the government has decided to repeal the three farm laws, which were at the centre of protests by farmers for the past year. Addressing the nation on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, the Prime Minister said the three laws were for the benefit of farmersUrging agitating farmers to return to their homes, he promised a fresh start, saying once the laws are repealed, a committee will study zero budgeting farming or natural farming, scientifically changing crop pattern, and most significantly, make MSP more effective and transparent. The panel is to include Centre, states, farmers, agricultural scientists and economists. While the announcement of the rollback was viewed in the context of the upcoming elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, BJP sources emphasised the decision reflected concern over the long-running agitation having an adverse impact of reviving separatism in the border state of Punjab and providing a handle to Khalistanis and Pakistan. Read AlsoSeat-sharing with BJP 110% on: CaptainThe repeal of the farm laws has brightened the possibility of BJP tying up with Congress rebel and former CM Captain Amarinder Singh's Punjab Lok Congress, thus upending the equations of the coming assembly polls in the state. "The plan for seat-sharing with BJP will be worked out 110%, and farmersThe Prime Minister defended the aims of the legislation, saying that they were introduced as part of a campaign to improve the condition of farmers, particularly small ones who need to be empowered and get the right price for their produce as well as more options. Such support was vital for some 10 crore farmers who tend to holdings of less than two hectare. "For years, this demand was continuously being made by farmers, agricultural experts, agricultural economists and farmer organisations," he said. He has previously accused the opposition of double speak over reforms that previous governments have also called for. "Today is the auspicious festival of Guru Nanak Dev ji Prakash Parb....This occasion is not to blame anyone. On this day, I have come to tell you, the whole nation that we have decided to withdraw, repeal the three farm laws. We shall complete the constitutional process of repealing the three laws in the upcoming winter session at the end of this month," the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister said that for years, farmers of the country, agricultural experts of the country and farmers' organisations of the country were continuously making these demands. "Earlier also many governments had brainstormed on this. This time also there was discussion in Parliament, brainstorming took place and these laws were brought up. In every nook and corner of the country, many farmers' organisations welcomed and supported it," Modi said and expressed his gratitude to the organisations, farmers and individuals who supported it. He said four-pronged measures on seeds, insurance, market and savings were taken to help farmers. "Along with good quality seeds, the government also connected the farmers with facilities like neem coated urea, soil health card and micro irrigation," he said. Read AlsoFarm laws: Boost for Rahul line on 'street politics'?The decision of the Modi government to rollback the three farm laws is reminiscent of the BJP regime’s wilting under pressure over its proposed amendments to the land acquisition Act, and is likely to strengthen the Rahul Gandhi line of argument that the opposition needs to pick issues against thePrime Minister Modi also pointed out that many initiatives have been taken for the farmers to get the right price for their produce in return for their hard work. Watch Govt to repeal three farm laws: PM Narendra Modi

The Times of India

2021-11-20

India