BKU's Rakesh Tikait claims 'Centre won't implement Electricity Bill & Air Quality Bill'

After 7th round of talks between 40 farm unions and Centre on Wednesday, Bharat Kisan Union (BKU) leer Rakesh Tikait claimed that Centre has agreed t to impose 'Electricity Amendment Bill 2020' and "Ordinance for Air Quality Manment in National Capital Region and Surrounding Areas", as demanded by farmers. Sources h earlier reported that government has told farmers that demands and issues related to three agricultural laws can be discussed by forming a committee, while explaining long process of making and abolishing laws.  But sources also report that Centre has maintained that laws will t be repealed, but agreed to talk on MSP later, asking farmers to stop ir agitation, once again. Amid talks, Union Ministers - Narendra Singh Tomar, Piyush Goyal and Som Parkash joined 40 farm union leers to partake in ir food during lunch break, in a friendly gesture to farmers. 

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BKU: 'Centre agreed to t implement Bills'

What h farmers demanded?

Prior to seventh round of talks, farmers h set forth nda of meet- repeal Farm laws, legally guarantee MSP, amend NCR air quality ordinance & repeal Electricity Bill 2020. Here are nda proposed by farmers:

• Procedure to be followed for repealing three Central Agricultural Laws
• Procedure and provision for legal guarantee of profitable MSP suggested by National Farmers Commission for all farmers and agricultural commodities
• Repeal "Commission Ordinance for Air Quality Manment in National Capital Region and Surrounding Areas" to exclude farmers from penal provisions of Ordinance
• Necessary changes in draft 'Electricity Amendment Bill 2020' to protect interests of farmers

Centre retorted stating that a detailed discussion will be held on farmers' concerns pertaining to three farm laws, procurement at Minimum Support Price, Commission for Air Quality Manment in National Capital Region and joining Areas Ordinance, 2020 and Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2020. farmers h planned a tractor rally on Wednesday, but have postponed it as talks have been scheduled with Centre. Moreover, Centre and state government have warned farmers of strict action after 1500 telecom towers were damd by certain farmers - in a protest against industrialists.

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Farmers' protest continues

Rejecting Centre's proposed amendment to three Farm Laws, farmers have stayed firm on ir demand of total repeal of Farm acts, stating a 'lack of trust' on Modi government. farm union leers were sent a 10-point proposal by Centre assuring to give written guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP), empowering states to create a law which will prevent misuse of trers' registration, continuing current electricity bill payment done by government and amend stubble burning penalty clause.  PM Modi has also released over Rs 18,000 crore to more than nine crore farmers under 'Prhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi' scheme. While Centre has been in talks to several or farm unions supporting Laws, protesting unions have retaliated by approaching Supreme Court seeking a total repeal of laws and a nationwide farm waiver.

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