Chandigarh, Aug 28 (UNI) The Punjab Assembly on Friday passed a resolution, moved by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, rejecting the farm ordinances and proposed electricity bill promulgated by the Union Government.
The resolution was passed in the Assembly by majority.
While tabling the resolution, the Chief Minister said that the Punjab State Legislative Assembly is seriously concerned about the apprehensions and anguished caused by the three Ordinances, -- The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Ordinance, 2020; The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Ordinance, 2020; and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2020 promulgated by the Union Government and the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 -- amongst the people of Punjab, particularly the farmers and landless workers as these are not only against their interest, and time-tested agriculture marketing system established in the State, but are also against the Constitution of India.
Entry 14 of List II of the Constitution comprises agriculture as the subject of the States, therefore these Ordinances are a direct encroachment upon the functions of the States and against the spirit of cooperative federalism enshrined in the Constitution and will promote distress sale, he said.
He further said that this House thus urges upon the Union Government to withdraw these ordinances and the proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill 2020 forthwith; and instead, promulgate a fresh ordinance making the procurement of foodgrains and other agricultural produce at the Minimum Support Price (MSP), a statutory right of the farmers and continuation of Government procurement through Food Corporation of India.
Those who voiced support included Cabinet Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, Congress MLAs Kuljit Singh Nagra and Gurkirat Singh Kotli, AAP MLAs Kanwar Sandhu and Kultar Singh Sandhwan, and Lok Insaf Party MLA Simarjit Singh Bains.
Some members also raised concern that these ordinances would undermine age old institutions such as arhtiyas and tolas.
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