New Delhi: In a significant development, the Kerala Legislative Assembly today passed a resolution against the Centre’s three contentious farm laws.
The Kerala Legislative Assembly has requested the Central Government to take immediate steps to repeal these three controversial laws, and recognize the legitimate demands of the farmers, who are the backbone of this country.
Showing solidarity with the agitating farmers, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “Our national capital is witnessing an unprecedented struggle. Farmers have braved extreme cold & other hardships to join the struggle. In 35 days, 32 lives lost”.
The new laws will have major ramifications in the agriculture sector, which is already in a crisis. Farmers fear that they will lose the existing support in prices. The bargaining power of the farmers will also be further weakened, Vijayan said.
He said, “Centre must abstain from acts that could provoke such outrage, especially in this pandemic situation. The sector employs 43.3% of our country’s labour force. It’s a part of our culture. Therefore, the reforms in the sector need to be implemented with great care & consideration”.
Kerala has vast experience in this regard. It is a state that has successfully implemented the Land Reforms Act. In addition, the State has made impactful interventions in resolving agricultural crises by ensuring the participation of local bodies & co-operatives, he added.
The laws do not provide any legal protection for the farmers either. Not only that, the farmers lack the resources to wage a legal battle with the corporations. The Central Govt has shirked the responsibilities, and has instead allowed the corporates to take over the trade, he further said.