Farm laws repeal the only business transacted on day one of Winter Session, multiple adjournments in both Houses
New Delhi, Nov 29 (FN Bureau) The first day of Winter Session witnessed repeated adjournments in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, even as the Bill to repeal the three Farm Laws was passed by Parliament. On Monday morning, just before the two Houses met for the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the session “very important”, and said, “the government is ready to answer every question. And we would like that there should be questions in Parliament and peace should also prevail.” “Voices against government policies should be forceful but the dignity of Parliament and the Chair should be upheld. We should maintain the sort of conduct that will inspire younger generations,” the Prime Minister said.
However, ruckus started in Lok Sabha soon after the House met, as the Opposition demanded a debate on the Bill to repeal the Farm Laws. Question Hour was adjourned in the Lower House amid protests, and the repeal bill was taken up when the House met at 12 noon. The Bill was passed through voice vote in a din, even as Opposition MPs raised the demands for a debate. At 2 p.m., the Bill was taken up in the Rajya Sabha, where Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge said government was repealing the laws with upcoming elections in mind. Even as Opposition leaders pressed for a debate, Agriculture Minister Narendra Tomar said since both Government and Opposition agreed on repealing the Bill, there was no need for a debate. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, talking to media in the Parliament Complex, meanwhile said the Prime Minister has shown “large heartedness” by repealing the laws. No other business was transacted by the two Houses apart from passing the Farm Laws (Repeal) Bill, 2021.
The bill would repeal three laws – the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance, Farm Services Act, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020.