Punjab CM-appointed Montek committee backs agri reform; Captain rejects recommendations

Amid ongoing farmers' protest against Centre's 3 contentious farm laws, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has rejected recommendations me by Montek Singh Ahluwalia-led Committee for agriculture reforms. 

Montek Singh Ahluwalia is chairman of an expert panel of 20 members, which was formed to aid economic recovery in Punjab after COVID-19 lockdown. Ahluwalia is an Indian economist and civil servant who was Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission of India, a position which carried rank of a Cabinet Minister under UPA. In May 2014, he h tendered his resignation for this post following impending end of UPA-II regime at Centre. Montek Singh was previously first Director of Independent Evaluation Office at International Monetary Fund.

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Rejecting preliminary recommendations on farming sector by Montek Singh Committee, Captain Amarinder Singh said, "I h me my and my government's stand clear. Anything that is not in farmers' interest or ds to ir burden will not be implemented in Punjab till I am here."

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Punjab CM: 'I have me my and my govt's stand clear'

report containing recommendation by committee was submitted to Chief Minister with title of "Transforming Punjab's agriculture". Sources furr informed that Montek Singh Ahluwalia Committee in its report h recommended amendments in APMC (Agricultural produce market committee) act. 

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While stating that Montek Committee is an expert group whose task is to make recommendations, Amarinder Singh said that his government's job is to accept or reject recommendation me by experts. He said. "I know ground reality and I know what's good for my farmers. I will not let ir interests to be compromised at any cost." In any case. Montek Committee is yet to come out with its final report, Punjab CM ded. That Punjab CM has h to dismiss committee's recommendations is emblematic of politics surrounding farm laws. Congress was in support of same reforms in its 2019 election manifesto but has committed a volte-face now.

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