Punjab Assembly Unanimously Rejects Centre's Agricultural Marketing Policy Draft
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Synopsis
On February 25, the Punjab Assembly unanimously opposed the Centre's draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, viewing it as a veiled attempt to reintroduce repealed farm laws. The resolution highlighted concerns over state rights and the adverse effects of the policy on Punjab's farmers and economy.
Key Takeaways
- The Punjab Assembly opposed the Centre's draft policy on agricultural marketing.
- The resolution was supported by Congress and other members.
- Concerns were raised about the impact on farmers and the economy.
- Calls for reopening blocked highways were made to support industry.
- Criticism was directed towards the BJP for its stance on Punjab's interests.
Chandigarh, Feb 25 (NationPress) In the absence of two BJP legislators in the 117-member assembly, the Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Centre’s draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing, labeling it an attempt to reintroduce the three farm laws that were repealed by the Centre in 2021 after massive farmer protests.
The resolution, presented by Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian and backed by the primary opposition party, Congress, stated: This House rejects the draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing. The House believes that this draft policy is an attempt to reinstate the controversial elements of the three farm laws that were withdrawn by the Indian government following extensive farmer protests in 2021.
According to the remarks made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Centre aims to implement this policy as a means to reinstate the three disputed farm laws through alternative methods.
Mann further expressed concerns about the Centre's consistent targeting of Punjab, referencing the issue of Indians being deported from the US, where he noted that few Punjabis were among the deportees yet the US military planes landed in Amritsar to tarnish Punjab’s reputation.
Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora, supporting the protesting farmers, urged the farmer unions at Shambhu and Khanauri borders to reopen the inter-state highways, stating that their closure has severely impacted Punjab’s industry and trade. The entire House backs the farmer protests at these borders, but the road blockages have resulted in the cancellation of industrial orders worth crores, affecting the economy of the state.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa condemned the BJP as an anti-Punjab party asserting that the BJP is determined to weaken Punjab both economically and politically. He accused the BJP of favoring multinational companies and disregarding the welfare of farmers and marginalized communities.
Bajwa cited historical attempts by the BJP to undermine the farming sector, referring to the Shanta Kumar Commission's recommendations during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government and criticized the current BJP administration under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for pursuing similar agendas.
He also criticized the AAP government for not adequately defending Punjab’s case against the Union government in the Supreme Court regarding the pending Rural Development Fund (RDF) of Rs 8,000 crore. He expressed willingness to join protests at PM Modi’s residence to push for the pending RDF if Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann takes the initiative to protect Punjab's interests.
