Five assurances for India’s farmers were unveiled by the Congress one day after they announced guarantees for women throughout the nation. Among the five promises are the pledges to legalize the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and modify the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regulations to benefit farmers. The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections were announced before this.
“MS Swaminathan received a Bharat Ratna from the BJP administration, however, they are not prepared to fulfill the goal to which he devoted his whole life. According to Swaminathan ji’s study, farmers ought to be legally entitled to MSP”, Rahul Gandhi stated, “The BJP administration is not able to provide this.”
“Legal MSP assurance for farmers”
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi declared that the Congress would provide farmers the legal guarantee if they were to join the government at the federal level. The proposal for a legal guarantee for MSP (Micro-Sustainable Produce) in India has been met with mixed opinions. Some argue that creating a legal provision is impossible, as farmers often use a significant portion of their produce for personal consumption. On average, 25% of the total production of 23 crops is used for personal consumption.
A legal guarantee would require a budget of 7.5 lakh crore rupees to purchase agriculture products covered under MSP, which could significantly impact the exchequer and other welfare and development activities. Another alternative is to legally obligate private parties to buy products at or above MSP and set up systems to monitor and take punitive measures if violations occur. This could be done through systems in place to ensure sugarcane factories procure sugarcane from farmers at prices equal to or above the FRP announced by CCEA.
Another option is to provide direct compensation to farmers if they are compelled to sell their produce below MSP, which could be around Rs 30,000 to 50,000 crores. The government is engaged in ongoing discussions with protesting farmers and has invited leaders of farmer organizations for another round of talks. Engaging in dialogue is essential for resolving, and the idea of MSP is supported by no one. Union Agriculture Minister Arjun Munda has extended an invitation to leaders of farmer organizations for further discussions.
Congress has provided farmers with the following guarantees:
The Congress plans to amend the GST regime to eliminate taxation on agricultural materials and implement an import-export policy for agricultural commodities. This policy will prioritize farmers’ interests and be stable, predictable, and based on their concerns, ensuring a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system.
Additionally, Congress has announced five significant changes to the Indian agriculture sector, including the redesign of the PM Fasal Bima Yojana to guarantee payment to farmers within 30 days of crop loss. A Standing Farm Loan Waiver Commission will be established to determine the required loan waiver amount. Additionally, the Right Price (MSP) will be given legal status, with a special law passed in Parliament.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his gratitude to all food providers and emphasized the Congress’s aim to make farmers’ lives happier.
These historic decisions are steps towards ensuring the welfare of farmers. Up till now, the Congress has made promises for women, youth, and tribal people in a highly politically charged environment ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
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