Nothing short of repeal will do: Punjab cabinet

Passes resolution demanding MSP as statutory right; mourns deaths of 78 protesting farmers

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab council of ministers on Thursday said that nothing short of repeal of the Centre’s farm laws, which it described as anti-farmers, antination and anti-food security, would resolve the present crisis.

Declaring unequivocally that repeal of the farm laws was the only way out of the current imbroglio, the cabinet, which met in Chandigarh under the chairmanship of chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh, demanded that the Centre should make MSP a statutory right of the farmers, who had been getting extremely low prices for their produce for the past several days despite being responsible for feeding the nation. “The central government is out of touch with the ground realities,” Amarinder said at the meeting.

The cabinet also asserted that the government would take all

Ameasures to protect the state’s and its farmers’ interests. At the start of the meeting, the council of ministers observed a two-minute silence in memory of farmers who have died during the agitation. An estimated 78 farmers have lost their lives so far.

Stressing the need for an early resolution to the agitation to prevent further loss of life, the cabinet pointed out that the matter had already been debated and discussed in eight rounds of negotiations held between the farmers and the Government of India.

Pointing out that even the Supreme Court had acknowledged the concerns of the protesting farmers, and had recognised their pain and anguish, the cabinet said the Centre should not stand on prestige and ego in this matter, which, if unresolved, could lead to devastating repercussions for the country for decades to come.

“If the Centre can make sweeping amendments to the laws, then this adamancy about not revoking the legislations is inexplicable, said the ministers. Punjab Congress president Sunil Jakhar was also present.

In a formal resolution, the cabinet categorically reiterated its commitment to the resolutions passed by the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on August 28, 2020, and October 20, 2020, stressing that all the genuine demands of the farmers must be accepted. Urging the central government to “repeal the farm laws as agriculture is a state subject under the Constitution of India, and to make MSP a statutory right.” It welcomed the Supreme Court order staying the central legislations as acknowledgement of the concerns of the farmers of Punjab who are protesting against the farm laws, and recognition of their pain and anguish.

“There is need for broadbased dialogue and proper consultation with all stakeholders as these legislations impact the future of millions of farmers across the country, and all genuine demands of the farmers must be accepted,” said the resolution.

The council of ministers, after detailed discussion, took note of the Supreme Court order staying the implementation of three farm legislations.

It also appreciated the peaceful protest by the farmers, which has also been taken note of by the Supreme Court of India, in keeping with the best of the democratic practices. The Cabinet meeting was convened by the chief minister with the sole agenda of discussing the issue in the light of the SC orders.