New Delhi: After the Punjab Assembly passed four bills and moved a resolution to negate central government's farm laws, it would also require governor's assent who can refer it to the President of India.
Congress party, on Tuesday, called it a 'historic day', while hitting out at BJP, saying that it's a "golden opportunity" for the Center to rectify it's "mistakes" by not referring the bills for Presidential assent.
"In one sense PM and the BJP should thank the Punjab government because they have given them another chance to rectify the historic blunder which they did in September. This act which is being passed by Punjab would require the President's assent. But not to allow presidential assent would be to compound the felony as far as the central BJP leadership is concerned. It will expose them more," said Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi, while addressing a virtual press conference.
He further added, "When you did not do it, because of ego by referring it to Select Committee, and you still insisted on passing it. This is yet another opportunity but if you do not take this opportunity you will be forever blamed for being completely insensitive to each and every simple legitimate demand of those who feed us."
Punjab's Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, who was also present during the press conference, informed that 115 MLAs of Punjab met the Governor, asking for his support.
"All the 115 MLAs who were present during the passage of these bills, drove to the Governor's residence and we've urged him that Punjab people's sentiments are attached to these bills so kindly sign them. He has assured us for his highest considerations," Badal said.
The Punjab Assembly passed four bills and a resolution moved by the state government to override Center's farm laws.
Under these legislative, imprisonment of three years and fine has been marked on the sale or purchase of wheat or paddy below minimum support price (MSP).
In addition to this, the provisions also exempt farmers from the attachment of land up to 2.5 acres and prevents hoarding and black-marketing of agricultural produce.
While speaking over the farm bills passed by Punjab assembly, Singhvi said, "When an egoistic government, undermining every parliamentary principle, passed three bills on September 17 and 20, that too was a historic day, but a dark one. Today, it is a positively historic day because there is a new inspiring affirmation, assertion and assurance to the farmer community as these four laws passed today will have effect in Punjab."
Manpreet Singh Badal also attacked the BJP-led central government over Global Hunger Index 2020, where India has ranked 94 among 107 countries, alleging that it wants to get out of Public Distribution System, and therefore Center has not given any food subsidy to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in last 6 years.
"Government of India is basically short of money. FCI has about 6 lakh crores debt on its books. For the last 6 years, GOI has not even given food subsidy to FCI. They actually want to get out of this entire system of PDS," said the minister.
He further added, "One person gets 5 kg of wheat per month. If we calculate, there will be spending of Rs 100 on one person per month. If GOI can even give this much amount for one person who comes under the poverty line, then it should not have the right to be called as the government."
The three bills introduced by Chief Minister Capt Amrinder Singh includes Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Special Provisions and Punjab Amendment Bill 2020, the Essential Commodities (Special Provisions and Punjab Amendment Bill 2020 and the Farmers (Empowerment And Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance, and Farm Services (Special Provisions and Punjab Amendment) Bill 2020.
While Manpreet Badal moved the Code of Civil Procedure (Punjab Amendment) Bill, 2020.
Also Read: Punjab govt's bills provide for minimum 3 years of prison and fine for sale/purchase below MSP
