The Centre decides to remove the fear of statutory controls over the agriculture sector. Essential Commodities Amendment Bill cleared in Lok Sabha despite opposition.
Parliament Passes ECA
The Lok Sabha passed the Essential Commodities Act, which will replace the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020. The bill will permit the central government to regulate the production, supply, distribution, and trade and commerce of certain essential commodities in extraordinary circumstances including a notable rise in price, natural calamity, or war. It aims at transforming the farm sector by deregulating cereals, pulses, and onion, raising farmers’ income.
Congress, BSP Critcize
Amid the protests across the nation, several parties voted against the bill. Amar Singh (Congress) stated the bill as anti-farmers and anti-poor. Opposing the bill, Saugata Roy (Trinamool Congress) claimed that it would benefit big traders and leave farmers in a lurch. BSP’s Kunwar Danish Ali said that the essential commodities bill would have the same effect as demonetization. Besides, Congress leader Adhir Chowdhury said that it would legalize hoarding. Also, it will give entry to multinational companies in the agriculture sector.
Removal of Stringent Restrictions on Movement of Agriculture Commodities Necessary: Danve
Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Raosaheb Danve addressed the concerns. He said that the Act would attract investments in the supply chain of the agriculture sector. Subsequently, it will make it more efficient. The high powered committee which reviewed the ordinance recommended the removal of stringent restrictions on movement and price control of farm products.
Support
On the other hand, Kaushalendra Kumar of the JD(U) said that the proposed legislation (essential commodities bill) would benefit farmers as they will be liberalized to sell their products at a higher price. Also, P P Chaudhary (BJP) supported it by claiming the bill as the most significant reform in the agriculture sector. It will benefit both farmers and consumers. Moreover, Bhartruhari Mahtab noted the condition of the agriculture sector owing to over-regulated agricultural markets by outdated laws and state interference.
Punjab Government to Challenge the Bill
Punjab CM Captain Amarinder took a hit on SAD, terming the legislation a conspiracy by BJP led NDA, of which SAD is a part. The CMO’s office tweeted alleging Sukhbir Badal (SAD Party chief ) for failing the state’s farmers to promote Akali interest.
Shiromani Akali Dal, BJP’s Ally, Expresses Concerns
SAD’s senior vice president Prem Singh said that Sukhbir Singh stood up to oppose the farm ordinances. Further, he explained that the party would always safeguard the interests of the farming community. Besides, he mentioned that the party took views of the farmers’ organizations and agricultural experts and spoke to BJP. However, it did not take due notice, and hence they had to vote against the bill in the parliament.
In all, the opposition demanded that the Centre must work to address the concerns and fear of farmers rising from the Bill.