NEW DELHI: Stepping up pressure on the BJP government for controversial farm laws, Congress has drafted a model law that will be adopted by states where it is in power to override central laws. the model invoice It will be distributed to states governed by Congress and will also be offered to other non-BJP states.
The move comes four days later President of the Congress Sonia Gandhi urged the party’s top ministers to explore ways to overturn the recently enacted agricultural reforms that have sparked upheaval and drawn accusations that they will end the MSP regime and put farmers at the mercy of companies. Called “Bill for the Protection of the Interests of Farmers and Agricultural Products (Special Provisions)”, the model law, finalized by in-house legal expert Abhishek Singhvi, says that in case of inconsistency between the provisions of the three core laws and state law, the latter will prevail.
“This law will override the core laws,” said a senior member of Congress. However, under the provisions of the Constitution, such a law passed by a state legislature must have the consent of the president, which in this case may not be obtained.
The aforementioned Law details that three central agricultural laws have caused outrage among a section of farmers. He says the laws would endanger 86% of the farming community that owns less than five acres of land and needs state protection for fair price contracts. In addition, it establishes that ensuring the protection of farmers is the primary responsibility of the states and that “agriculture, agricultural markets, and land” are the legislative domain of the states under the Constitution. The model law further says that no farmer will receive a payment for private or other sales agreements at a price lower than the MSP.
With this initiative, Congress seeks to make a political point on the agricultural controversy. Despite the near certainty that the Center advised the president not to pass such laws, Congress believes the move will increase pressure on the Modi government. Amid continued agitation from farmers, last month the Center authorized the MSP for six crops to secure the aggrieved bloc. The decision of former BJP ally Akali Dal to resign the Cabinet of the Union and the ruling alliance NDA has only highlighted concerns that the core laws are seen as anti-farmer.
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