SP leader demands repeal of farm laws, guarantee on MSP in Rajya Sabha

SP leer Vishambhar Pras Nish on Thursday demanded a repeal of three contentious farm laws and pitched for a new law to make minimum support price (MSP) mandatory for procurement of agriculture produce.

Farmers are protesting against three new farm laws for more than two months at Delhi's borders, demanding a repeal of se legislations. y are also pressing government for making MSP mandatory.

Participating in a debate on Union Budget in Rajya Sabha, Nish said, " farm bills were drafted on directions of corporates. When farmers do t want se bills, why are se being imposed on m? I demand that farm laws should be taken back and a new law to guarantee MSP should be brought." He pointed out that re is special pack in budget for farmers of parched Bundelkhand region.

Nish also drew attention of House towards incidents of farmer suicide due to crop loss and debt and demanded that all crops be covered under insurance.

Samajwi Party (SP) leer said he does t think that government's plan about doubling income of farmers will succeed and pointed out that re is provision for farm-allied sectors in budget.

" budget is a bundle of untrue bluffs," he said. budget will increase disparity between rich and poor and it is very disappointing for farmers, w-earners and small trers, Nish said.

He also urged prime minister to withdraw Model Vill scheme as t a single penny has been released for purpose in last five to seven years.

SP leer criticised government over issue of privatisation of public sector undertakings, mentioning about its plan to divest State's stake in Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) and Air India. He also mentioned apprehensions over deteriorating standards of sainik schools due to privatisation plan.

"As many as 32 public sector undertakings are being divested and re are plans to privatise state-run banks, which may affect farmers' savings.... This may affect farmers if se private banks would fly by night after taking along funds of poor farmers," Nish said.

He said re is provision for ros and bridges in Uttar Presh in budget and also referred to some bridges, especially on Yamuna river, where work is 75 per cent complete and more funds are awaited.

SP leer also asked for four-laning of Sher Shah Suri Marg. He alleged that t a single smart city has been developed so far and bullet train is operational in country.

rollout of Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and demonetisation have broken back of ecomy, Nish said. He said jobs have been lost and employment opportunities have decreased in last five years.

Participating in discussion, Ram Chandra Pras Singh of Janata Dal (United) lauded finance minister for bringing an excellent budget. He said body died due to hunger during COVID-19 pandemic because of government's efforts.

Singh said farmers t only produce foodgrains but also create employment opportunities because of value dition to agriculture produce.