38.6c New Delhi, India, Thursday, March 28, 2024
Executive

Truth behind the rumors on the new Farm Laws in India

By Vivek Kumar      21 July, 2021 05:15 PM      0 Comments
Truth Farm Laws in India

Introduction:

On the morning of 17 September 2020, three Farm Laws were passed in the Lok Sabha, and the country has been in a big debate ever since. 

The argument over whether the farm laws will empower farmers or destroy the agriculture sector of India in ongoing since then. As the 8-month long dispute continues, let’s take a look at some of these questions and the truth behind them. 

Are the Farm Laws Unconstitutional? 

One of the main arguments being presented against the new laws is that the farm laws are unconstitutional. It was said that the Agriculture sector comes under the State jurisdiction and Centre does not have a say in it. 

This is only partially true as agriculture falls under state jurisdiction, but agriculture produce is a trade commodity. The Concurrent list in the seventh Schedule of the Indian constitution gives Centre the power to make legislation regarding trade of commodities. 

Therefore, the new laws are completely constitutional. The strength in this argument can also be determined from the fact that no state government, even for the non-BJP states, has gone to the Supreme Court against the laws. 



Were the Farm Laws passed in a haste?

Another related criticism of the new farm laws is that they were passed in a haste, without the consultation of opposition parties and/or Farmer leaders. However, the truth is that the flaws in the APMCs (Mandis) were realized a long time ago. Ramesh Chanda, a member of NITI Aayog wrote in his paper:

“…the discussions on policy reforms and structural changes in agriculture started around the year 2000. It began with suggestions for changes in market regulation and removal of various restrictions provided under the APMC Act.”

APMCs were created as a means to strengthen farmers, but they gradually became a tool to exploit them. Farmers have to pay commissions and taxes on sale of their produce. 

The traders at Mandis buy crops from farmers crops at a low price then sell it at a higher price to the consumer. The new laws allow farmers to trade directly with consumers without paying any taxes or commissions. They can sell their harvest outside the mandis and save the transportation costs. 

This law will create a liberal competitive market for farmers which will ensure greater prices for farmers than Mandis. 

Will the new law abolish Mandis and scrap MSP? 

There have been rumors that the new laws will abolish the Mandis and scrape the Minimum Support Price. The Farm law, however, does not mention the abolition of Mandis or the MSPs. It instead gives farmers a choice to either sell their crops at Mandis or outside. 

Why are the protests happening? 

Protests started soon after the bills were passed. Farm leaders described these laws as Black laws for Indian Agriculture. Government has been holding talks with the farmer leaders to negotiate and listen to any reforms that they may suggest. Farm leaders, however, are bent on the laws being taken back without any concrete argument. 

Conclusion:

Several rumors on the new farm laws continue to make way through the protestors. However, it may be pertinent to note that these are baseless and in reality the laws are meant to empower the farmers and bring about the betterment of all in the time to come.  The  way forward then is for all parties to recognize the the proposed legal arrangement for what it truly represents. 



Share this article:



Leave a feedback about this
TRENDING NEWS

sc-declines-to-reconsider-judgement-holding-conspiracy-to-be-scheduled-offence-under-pmla-only-if-offence-specifically-mentioned
Trending Judiciary
SC declines to reconsider judgement holding conspiracy to be scheduled offence under PMLA only if offence specifically mentioned [Read Order]

Supreme Court declines review, confirms conspiracy must relate to a scheduled offence under PMLA, dismissing appeal on money laundering charges.

27 March, 2024 07:40 PM
arvind-kejriwals-plea-for-interim-release-rejected-by-delhi-high-court
Trending Judiciary
Arvind Kejriwal's plea for interim release rejected by Delhi High Court [Read Order]

Delhi High Court rejects Arvind Kejriwal's plea for interim release in money laundering case related to liquor policy scam, pending ED's response.

28 March, 2024 10:50 AM

TOP STORIES

global-entertainment-giants-warner-bros-netflix-amazon-get-relief-from-delhi-hc-in-copyright-protection-case
Trending Business
Global entertainment giants Warner Bros, Netflix, Amazon get relief from Delhi HC in copyright protection case

Delhi HC grants relief to global entertainment giants like Netflix, Amazon, Warner Bros, ordering takedown of copyrighted content on rogue websites.

22 March, 2024 12:13 PM
arvind-kejriwal-arrested-can-cm-administer-a-region-while-being-in-jail
Trending Top Stories
Arvind Kejriwal Arrested | Can CM administer a region while being in jail?

Will President's rule be imposed in Delhi after Kejriwal’s arrest? Read the full article to know more.

22 March, 2024 03:16 PM
merely-because-you-are-politician-cant-bypass-statutory-remedies-procedure-sc-refuses-to-consider-bail-by-kavitha
Trending Judiciary
'Merely because you are politician, can't bypass statutory remedies, procedure,' SC refuses to consider bail by Kavitha

Supreme Court denies bail to politician Kavitha in Delhi Liquor Policy Scam; ED alleges Rs 100 crore illegal gratification.

22 March, 2024 03:34 PM
ponmudi-to-be-sworn-in-as-minister-tn-governor-relents-before-sc
Trending Judiciary
Ponmudi to be sworn in as Minister, TN Governor relents before SC

Tamil Nadu Governor relents to Supreme Court's order, agrees to swear in DMK leader K Ponmudi as Minister after court's rap.

22 March, 2024 03:54 PM

ADVERTISEMENT


Join Group

Signup for Our Newsletter

Get Exclusive access to members only content by email