Dear Editor,
Please find below some details/information to assuage the concerns of your readers with regard to the recent path-breaking Indian Farm Laws in India against which a small section of India’s farming community has been protesting.
It is emphasized that the reforms, intended to protect and empower farmers in India, are based on inputs from experts and recommendations by Committees that have analyzed the specific challenges of the agricultural sector in lndia over the last 20 years.
The Farm Acts were duly discussed and debated in the Parliament of India and passed in the Indian parliament as per democratic norms. Their benefits have started reaching more than 100 million small farmers instantly. Since the enactment of these reforms, discussions have been held with farmers and other stakeholders on their efficient implementation.
With the section of farmers having reservations, 11 rounds of talks have been held with the government side led by the Minister of Agriculture himself. Though the Government of lndia has suggested numerous ways to address their apprehensions – including postponing implementation of the Acts or amendment of the same, suspension of implementation of the laws for 18 months and following the instructions of the Supreme Court of India to form a committee to look into the issues, these options have been summarily rejected by the agitators.
The above information is shared with you to dispel any misgivings with regard to the objectives of the reforms, the ability of those having reservations to protest peacefully and the willingness of the Government of India to address all concerns, in a manner most acceptable to the protesting farmers’ unions.
The efforts continue but the Government of India is more than aware of efforts by vested interests abroad to fuel the protests through misinformation and incendiary assertions that are not helpful in progressing the dialogue between the protesters and Government or addressing the issues through the democratic processes that our people have traditionally relied on.
It may be noted that the farmers participating in the protests rallies have been treated with utmost respect and restraint by the Government and security forces – more than may have been the case in similar situations elsewhere in the world. Therefore, on the substantive issues as well as treatment of the protesters, there should be no doubt about the objectives and approach of the Government of India in the minds of the people.
Regards
Vijayakumar K.
Counsellor (Com. & Dev. Projects )
High Commission of India
