CHANDIGARH: On Thursday, a farmers’ body decided to intensify its uproar against the Center’s three agriculture-related bills, announcing to stop trains in Punjab from September 24-26.
“We have decided to carry out a ‘rail roko’ agitation from September 24 to 26 in the state against the agricultural laws,” said Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee Secretary General Sarwan Singh Pandher.
Different farmer organizations in Punjab have already called a “bandh” on September 25 to protest against the Bills.
Farmers have expressed fear that the laws will pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum support price (MSP) system and will be at the “mercy” of large corporations.
On Monday, the Center had presented the Bills at Lok Sabha.
These are the Draft Law on Trade in Agricultural Products and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation); Farmers’ Agreement (Empowerment and Protection) on Price Guarantee and Agricultural Services Bill; and Essential Commodities Bill (Amendment).
Lok Sabha passed the 2020 Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill on Tuesday, which seeks to deregulate food products, including grains, legumes and onions, a measure aimed at “transforming” the agricultural sector and “increasing” farmers’ income.
The congressional-led government in Punjab has described the legislation as a “flagrant attack” on the federal structure.
Last month, the Punjab assembly passed a resolution, rejecting ordinances previously introduced by parliament and superseded by the three bills.
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