The draft resolution seeks the annulment of the Agricultural Laws and the proposed Electricity Bill, as well as the enactment of “a new ordinance that makes the acquisition of food grains at the Minimum Sustenance Price (MSP) a legal right of farmers and continue procurement by the Government of India through FCI and other similar agencies. ”
Protecting the interests of our farmers and the people of Punjab is paramount. It is and should be above all e… https://t.co/hrymoXOCn3
– Captain Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) 1603177436000
Amarinder said the bills introduced in the House will form the basis of the state’s looming legal battle and therefore need to be thoroughly vetted before they are introduced.
[Live] From Vidhan Sabha for an important session to protect Punjab farmers from Cen’s anti-farmer laws… https://t.co/dbAOuWWt3K
– Captain Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) 1603176797000
The bill accuses the insensitive attitude of the Center
The draft resolution expresses the deep regret of the state legislature for the “callous and inconsiderate attitude of the Government of India in addressing the concerns of the agricultural community about the recent agricultural legislation allegedly enacted by them.” It is read that the Assembly is forced to unanimously reject the three laws (agricultural) and the electricity bill (amendment) of 2020.
In addition, said the draft resolution, these laws are also against the Constitution of India (Entry 14 List-II), which comprises agriculture as a state issue. These laws are a direct attack and use of subterfuge to invade the functions and powers of the States, enshrined in the Constitution of the country, says the draft resolution read by the Speaker.
Referring to the Trade in Agricultural Products and Trade (Promotion and Facilitation) Act of 2020; The Farmers Agreement (Empowerment and Protection) on Price Guarantee and Agricultural Services Law, 2020; and the Essential Products (Amendment) Act 2020, the draft resolution notes that the Center had converted the relevant agricultural ordinances into laws and notified them on September 24 and 26 even though the concerns and sentiments of the House were conveyed to the Prime Minister of India through a letter dated September 14 from Punjab CM.
“These three legislations, along with the 2020 Electricity (Amendment) Bill, are clearly against the interests of farmers and landless workers, and the time-tested agricultural marketing system established not only in Punjab but also in the original green revolution areas of Punjab, Haryana and Western UP, ”he said, adding that the Center had clearly enacted trade laws and not agricultural laws.
CM assumes the opposition MLA
Amarinder said he regretted that several lawmakers indulged in frivolous activities on Monday to gain political mileage, some came in tractors and others spent the night in the Assembly precincts in protest at not receiving bills from their government. He said he had signed it at 9:30 p.m. after extensive discussions and consultations with various experts. Such delays in exchanging copies of bills occur in emergency sessions, he said, noting that something similar happened when his government introduced Punjab’s Water Agreement Termination Act during his last term in 2004.
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