New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday announced that the Centre has decided to repeal all three farm laws.
In an address to the nation, he said, “We have decided to repeal all three farm laws, will begin the procedure at the Parliament session that begins this month.”
He urged the protesting farmers to “return home to their families and let’s start afresh”.
Modi said, “Whatever I did, I did for farmers. What I’m doing, is for the country. With your blessings, I never left out anything in my hard work. Today I assure you that I’ll now work even harder, so that your dreams, nation’s dreams can be realised.”
The three laws, Farmers (Empowerment & Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance & Farm Services Act 2020, Farmers Produce Trade & Commerce (Promotion & Facilitation) Act & Amendment to Essential Commodities Act have also been challenged before the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court had on January 12, 2021, stayed the implementation of Farm Laws.
The Prime Minister started his address, saying that the government’s intention was pure, and it had brought the three farm laws hoping to benefit the farmers, especially the small land holding farmers. “Despite our efforts, despite efforts by agriculture economists and agriculture scientists, we failed to convince a section of the farmers about the sincerity of our efforts,” he said.
“The objective of the three farm laws was that the farmers of the country, especially small land holding farmers should be strengthened, they should get right price for their produce and maximum options to sell the produce,” he said.
He also listed a number of steps that have been taken by his government for farmers’ benefits, including an increase in MSP and record procurement this year. “Beej, Beema, Bazar and Bachat (seeds, insurance, market availability and savings) are what we tried to bring for the small land holding farmers, many of whom supported our efforts. I am grateful to them,” he said.
Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu hailed the “sacrifice” of the farmers and called the move “a step in the right direction”.
“Repealing of black laws a step in the right direction …. Satyagrah of Kisan morcha gets historic success…. You’re sacrifice has paid dividends…. Revival of farming in Punjab through a road map should be the top priority for the Pb govt ….accolades,” he tweeted.
Repealing of black laws a step in the right direction …. Satyagrah of Kisan morcha gets historic success…. You’re sacrifice has paid dividends…. Revival of farming in Punjab through a road map should be the top priority for the Pb govt ….accolades
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) November 19, 2021
Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal said the “martyrdom” of “over 700 farmers” who died during the protests will always be remembered. “The coming generations will remember how the farmers of my country risked their lives to protect farmers and farming,” he tweeted.
आज प्रकाश दिवस के दिन कितनी बड़ी ख़ुशख़बरी मिली। तीनों क़ानून रद्द। 700 से ज़्यादा किसान शहीद हो गए। उनकी शहादत अमर रहेगी। आने वाली पीढ़ियाँ याद रखेंगी कि किस तरह इस देश के किसानों ने अपनी जान की बाज़ी लगाकर किसानी और किसानों को बचाया था। मेरे देश के किसानों को मेरा नमन
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) November 19, 2021
Former Punjab Chief Minister thanked the Prime Minister for “acceding to the demands of every Punjabi” on the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, a Sikh holy festival.
“Great news! Thankful to PM @narendramodi ji for acceding to the demands of every punjabi & repealing the 3 black laws on the pious occasion of #GuruNanakJayanti. I am sure the central govt will continue to work in tandem for the development of Kisani! #NoFarmers_NoFood,” Captain Singh tweeted
Great news! Thankful to PM @narendramodi ji for acceding to the demands of every punjabi & repealing the 3 black laws on the pious occasion of #GuruNanakJayanti. I am sure the central govt will continue to work in tandem for the development of Kisani! #NoFarmers_NoFood @AmitShah
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) November 19, 2021
The farmers have been protesting against the three farm laws for over almost a year now.
Ms Kalinga