In view of the Centre’s decision to repeal three agriculture laws, the Maharashtra government may also put on hold three amendment bills introduced in the monsoon session to counter the central laws.
Cooperation Minister Balasaheb Patil said that the state has introduced three amendment bills against the three agriculture laws of the Centre. “The laws of the Center were encroaching upon the rights of the State. Hence amendment bills were introduced in the monsoon session. We had invited their suggestions on three bills following the demand of the farmers’ organisation. Now the Center has decided to repeal these laws. So, there is no question of moving it (bills),” Patil said.
Sources in the government said they have the option of not moving the three bills forward or the state cabinet may decide to withdraw the bills. Sources said the Bills are likely to be withdrawn in the upcoming winter session of the state legislature. Any bill introduced in the assembly is valid till the end of the term of the assembly and lapses thereafter.
The three amendment bills introduced in the Assembly in July were related to agriculture, cooperation, food and civil supplies to counter the new agricultural laws enacted by the Centre.
The Bills provided for higher MSP rate for produce, timely payment of arrears, jail term of three years and fine of Rs 5 lakh or both for harassing farmers in agricultural agreement with traders. It also provided power to the state government to control and restrict production, supply, distribution and to impose stock limits on essential commodities.
After the introduction of the bills, the government had sought suggestions from farmers’ organizations and other stakeholders on the three bills and gave them a time limit of two months.
Farmers unions have demanded withdrawal of three bills in the state. “The state introduced three amendment bills with some changes. We opposed it. Now, since the Center has decided to withdraw the Bills, the state should also withdraw the three proposed Bills,” said Ajit Navale, general secretary of All India Kisan Sabha.
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