the letter from the ministry of agriculture to the group of 40 agricultural unions, he said that, while beating the MSP’s problem with the agricultural specific discussion It did not seem logical, since the laws had nothing to do with the price support mechanism, the government still wanted to discuss them along with all the other issues. The Center told the unions that it is ready to discuss “all the issues raised by you”, a position that is adapted to the additional conditions that the agricultural unions established in their letter to the government.
Emphasizing that the government is ready for talks when unions receive a call, the Center urged them to send details so they can be discussed. It was the ministry’s third letter to farmers’ unions and the first was written on December 9 when the government listed the amendments that could be made to strengthen farm laws. He said it is “a duty” to listen to the agricultural unions and keep the doors open for talks. He said that he has been engaging unions with respect and with an open mind.
Although the ministry’s third letter to the unions appears to be a step up from its response on December 20 when it sought a date to resume talks without mentioning anything beyond the proposed amendments, agricultural leaders felt that if the government were to take conversations seriously, you must have them first. laws on hold. Although a formal response will be confirmed after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses farmers in six states on Friday, the stance could signal another change in position by the unions.
“These laws should at least be kept in abeyance while discussions are taking place. It’s like a ceasefire … If you set an agenda for a meeting where repeal is on the table, then we will have a good discussion.” said Avik Saha, national convener of Jai Kisan Andolan and secretary general of the coordinating body AIKSCC.
Some agricultural leaders said the letter sent a very confusing message. On the one hand, the ministry expressed its intention to speak to agricultural unions about all issues with an open mind, while on the other hand the government has taken a public position that the agricultural laws are good and that it will carry out these laws. . Officials noted that the Center was simply responding to the unions’ demand that the issues they are raising be discussed.
Responding to the accusation that the government is trying to be divisive by holding parallel talks with “so-called peasant leaders and organizations that exist only on paper and those who have no connection to the ongoing struggle,” the ministry said that it is responsibility. of the government. to listen to the concerns of all agricultural unions or groups and cannot deny commitments to others (those who are not protesting against agricultural laws).
Ministry officials believe that the addition of the new MSP lawsuit in the comprehensive cost formula appeared to be an attempt by some farmers’ unions to turn the ongoing protests into an all-India problem, as the “price support “will worry everyone. unlike protests on farm law issues that are mainly limited to Punjab, Haryana and western UP.
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