(Image source from: Hindustantimes.com)
Indian government to form a panel to discuss Farmers Issue:- In the upcoming negotiations with farmer leaders, the Central government is expected to propose the creation of a committee to address the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other concerns raised by the protesting farmers. According to a media report, this committee will be comprised of government representatives and representatives from farmers' organizations. The specialized panel will focus on discussing the specifics of an MSP legislation and other issues brought forward by the farmers. The report also suggests that the committee may request the farmers' organizations to appoint their own representatives for further discussions on the MSP.
Earlier today, farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher called for the Centre to pass an ordinance that legally guarantees the MSP. This demand comes a day before the fourth round of talks between farm leaders and Union ministers regarding their various demands. Pandher acknowledged that the Centre has the authority to make "political" decisions and can swiftly enact such an ordinance if it chooses to do so.
Pandher, speaking to reporters at the Shambhu border near Ambala where the farmers are currently camped, stated that the enactment of a law on MSP is necessary before further discussions can take place. He also mentioned that any ordinance related to the issue of modalities has a six-month validity. In response to the demand for "C2 plus 50 per cent" as per the Swaminathan Commission's recommendation, Pandher explained that the government is currently offering a price based on the "A2 plus FL" formula and that an ordinance can be introduced under the same formula. Regarding farm debt waiver, Pandher stated that the government is asserting that the loan amount needs to be assessed and data can be collected from banks for this purpose, emphasizing that it ultimately comes down to political will power. Pandher further expressed the need to focus on discussions with the Centre and central banks in order to finalize how to waive farmers' debt, rather than involving the states. Lastly, farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal also emphasized the importance of the government bringing an ordinance to benefit the people of the country.
