New Delhi:Farmers' organisations welcomed the Punjab State government's move passing three farm bills in the State legislature to negate the farm laws which was recently enacted by the central government.
Punjab Chief Minister, Amrinder Singh on Tuesday had passed three agriculture Bills, making Punjab the first state in the country to formally reject centre's agriculture sector legislations.
Farmers' organisations also advised the state government to amend the law regarding clauses surrounding Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Speaking to ETV Bharat, VM Singh, convenor of All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee said, "If someone forces a farmer to sell at a price lower than the MSP, then there is a provision in the Bill to punish him for three years. But the word 'forced' must be removed from it. The law should be amended that any purchase at a price lower than the fixed MSP should be considered a crime and in such circumstances and there should be a provision for punishment."
He also expressed hope that other State governments would also bring a bill in the interest of farmers along the same lines.
Reacting to the event President of Indian Farmers Society, Krishnaveer Chaudhary said, "When the government is already purchasing 98 per cent of wheat and paddy from the farmers of Punjab, what does Amarinder Singh want to show by bringing the MSP law for wheat and paddy. If he is equally supportive to all the farmers, then he should also guarantee MSP on pulses and oilseeds."
Welcoming the initiative of the Punjab government, Chaudhary Pushpendra Singh, president of the Kisan Shakti Sangh said, "At least in the interest of farmers, a state government has started to give MSP guarantee. Other states should also learn from Punjab and the Centre should understand the demand of farmers. The only way to stop this protest is that the central government should also consider introducing the MSP Guarantee Act."
Experts said the state government will need the consent of the Governor and the President to convert these bills into laws.
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