The contentious farm laws which led to huge outcry by farmer unions for a year and became a strong rallying point for the Opposition were repealed by both Houses of Parliament on 1st day of the Winter Session. Unfortunately, it took minutes to clear the Farm Laws Repeal bill.
Opposition wanted a debate before revocation of laws but govt brushed aside the suggestion, terming it a ‘waste of time’ as all stakeholders were in favour of its withdrawal. The contentious laws or rather agri-reforms witnessed hurried launch in September 2020 and went away in just minutes – both leaving no space for discussion. Even if there was agreement to withdraw the legislation, wasn’t it apt to hold discussion over the topic.
After all, the three legislations were debated extensively across various platforms including TV debates, social media and so on. Call it agricultural reforms or black laws, govt should have allotted a day or few hours to debate pros & cons of the legislation. Despite a year gone by, lot of confusion, apprehension and mis-information about 3 farm laws continue to occupy people’s minds and will continue to do so until clear picture emerges.
The repeal of farm laws in 4 minutes in Lok Sabha is reminiscent of the manner in which they were rammed through in the House without due consideration. Enjoying clear majority in both the Houses, NDA govt paid little heed to Opposition’s demands of discussion & its referral to select committee and pronounced its roll-out in Sept 2020, only to face stiff and prolonged protests. Facing resistance mostly from Punjab, Haryana & West UP farmers, the Centre tried to convince the farmers but miserably failed despite 11 rounds of talks.
Prime Minister was considerate enough & apologetic to farmers, when he announced the repeal of contentious farm laws on Guru Purab, via a televised address. As a true statesman, he took the bold step of apologizing for the ‘defective’ law and also blamed own administration for failing to convince them about its myriad benefits & potential.
But, PM Modi’s emotional appeal certainly can’t be a substitute for detailed statement by the concerned minister and discussion in Parliament. Unless the pros & cons of legislations are debated in public, how will public be aware of its reformative agenda. Ministers, one after another, described it PM’s decision in national interest but stopped short of explanation as to why Centre was forced to face such a humiliation. Has the Centre given up on farm reforms, has it forgotten its promise of doubling farmers income, will it follow suit on farmers’ other demands on electricity subsidy. And, at last, will it put the blame on farmers for their plight?
Now, question arises – What will happen to MSP, a pressing demand by the farmers who want it as legal right? When govt is of firm belief that this sector needs radical reforms for grassroot-level transformation, what is the way forward? Will the reforms be sacrificed for electoral considerations?
In Lakhimpur Khiri, a Central Minister’s son was arrested over alleged crime of mowing down farm protesters. Not just public wrath, the Centre as well UP govt also got a rap on knuckles for ‘delaying’ the probe into his trial. This also needed a vigourous debate but this didn’t happen.
Amid the stand-off between Centre & farmers, it is the Parliament which has turned out as the biggest loser. Prime Minister had called Constitution a holy book and the Parliament a temple. But, in spite of giving it its due, the three farm laws were rammed through the House and again withdrawn in haste, leaving no room for debates by erudite leaders, for which the Temple of Democracy is known & revered. Debates are the lifeline, customs & conventions are essential traditions of the Parliament. Govt must refrain from using its big electoral mandate to demean and diminish the institution.
