Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, February 20
Expressing concern over the threat to the state’s agriculture as a result of the ‘disruption caused by the three new farm laws’, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Saturday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure urgent resolution of the ongoing farm unrest by the Centre “to the satisfaction of the protesting farmers by addressing all their grievances”.
The Chief Minister reiterated his government’s stand that agriculture was a state subject and law-making on it should be left to the states in the true spirit of “cooperative federalism” enshrined in the Constitution.
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The Chief Minister asserted that any reform that was sought to be introduced in a sector — subsuming almost 60 per cent of the country’s workforce — must be done only through a process of extensive consultation with all stakeholders, of which Punjab is a key stakeholder.
Citing strong apprehension among farmers of the state that MSP-based procurement regime through the Food Corporation of India (or agencies on its behalf) may be discontinued in view of the Shanta Kumar Committee Report of 2015, the Chief Minister also stressed the need for the Centre to decisively dispel any such impression “to instil proper confidence in the farmers of the state”.
Capt Amarinder urges PM to ensure urgent resolution of farmers’ stir
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