Raipur, Oct 27: Chhattisgarh Assembly today witnessed heated arguments between ruling Congress and opposition BJP members over new farm bill introduced by the state government in the interests of the farmers of the state, on the first day of special session. Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey tabled Krishi Upaj Mandi Amendment Bill. Speaker Dr Charandas Mahant heard objections from ruling and opposition members and then allowed restitution of Chhattisgarh Krishi Upaj Mandi Amendment Bill 2020.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that the agricultural law introduced by the Center was like a chit-fund. It may look good in the beginning, but it will ruin later, he said. According to him the Center’s laws are meant for capitalists only. On the first day of the special session, Agriculture Minister Ravindra Chaubey introduced the new bill in the House today. Subsequently, discussion began on this new bill. The opposition called for time for amendments in the Agriculture Bill.
On this, the Minister Md Akbar made it clear that this new bill was not against central agriculture law. Reacting to opposition protest the Agriculture Minister said that this new bill would not require publicity. During the discussion on the Krishi Upaj Mandi Amendment Bill, Agriculture Minister Ravindra Choubey said that the entire nation is eyeing this bill. ‘We are enacting a law to help the farmers of Chhattisgarh. We have introduced the amendment bill of Mandi. We have amended 7 points. We want to provide a fair price to the farmers. The farmers of Chhattisgarh will get direct benefits. Mandi law has been amended. The amendment has been introduced to prevent large companies’, he said. He also said that under new agricultural law there would be no dispute with farmers. He said that 7 amendments were made and none of these amendments was against the law of the Center. The state government has brought this bill within its constitutional ambit, he added.
Former Chief Minister Raman Singh said that financial memorandum has not been given in the Chhattisgarh Krishi Upaj Mandi Amendment Bill. ‘What does Chhattisgarh government want to do by bringing this incomplete bill? he asked.
BJP MLA Brijmohan said that this bill is not in conformity with the constitution. Food Minister in his reply said that the government can enact agricultural laws. ‘We have introduced the Chhattisgarh Krishi Upaj Mandi Amendment Bill under the Constitution’, he added.
