New Delhi: Formal talks to end farmers’ agitation against the three new farm laws remain has remained deadlocked for the last two weeks. However, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar said Friday the government is continuing informal discussions with various groups. He said the government is making every effort to appease the farmers and to end the stalemate. However, there was no point talking to those ‘shooting from peasants’ shoulders’. Tomar once more asserted that the new farm laws will benefit the farmers.
The minister also hoped that a resolution should be reached before the year ends. He asserted that the Modi government is committed to address all genuine concerns of the farming community. Tomar put the blame on opposition parties for misleading the farmers. He accused them of changing their stance on the reform process and politicising the issue.
“We have constantly been holding discussions with farmers’ unions. Overall, our effort is to reach a solution through dialogue with them. We are still open for talks. We are holding discussions with unions. I hope through dialogue we can move towards reaching a solution,” Tomar said. “Informal talks are going on. I am hopeful of some way out,” he added.
Tomar was asked whether the Supreme Court constituted committee will take over talks or the government will continue its efforts. He said the government has kept its door open for negotiations with farm leaders. However, it would wait for the Supreme Court’s order for the next course of action.
“The matter is sub judice. After the court’s order, we will study and take a call. We will wait for the court’s direction,” said Tomar.
Also read: Government ready for talks anytime with protesting farmers: Narendra Singh Tomar
Farmer unions, who are concerned about peasants, should raise problems of the farming community so that the government can find a solution, the minister said. He asked the unions not to stress upon repealing these legislations.
“Farm leaders, who are concerned about welfare of farmers, should discuss peasants’ problems. Why should it matter if the acts are repealed or not? These are for the benefit of the farmers,” Tomar said. “The government can consider changes to the farm laws if they convince successfully the clause by clause objections,” he added.
Tomar was asked on his recent remark that he would engage with ‘genuine’ farm leaders. “When I say genuine, I mean those who are really concerned about farmers. There is no point to talking with those who want to shoot from the shoulders of farmers,” Tomar pointed out
“We will give in writing that till date the way MSP was continuing will continue in future as well. No one should have doubt on this,” he added. The MSP system is an administrative decision and there cannot be a law for everything, he added.
“To run the entire country, there are laws. Under laws, there are rules. There are also administrative decisions. Can there be doubt on the government’s decisions? Till date, MSP was in operation. Was it under any law?” pointed out Tomar.