RSS affiliate picks holes in laws, warns against monopoly by MNCs

Vibha Sharma

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 13

The economic wing of the RSS, Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM), has warned the Narendra Modi government of “monopolistic” situation in Indian markets “where a single party will not only be able to exploit suppliers and farmers, but also consumers”. It suggested changes in FDI rules to block the entry of MNCs in the retail sector.

The SJM proposed amendments to the laws to overcome drawbacks and ensure MSP to farmers.

A resolution passed at its all-India convention said the intention of the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, is seemingly that farmers get the right price for their produce in the absence of intermediaries.

“However, there is a doubt that in absence of ‘mandi fee’, buyers will be naturally encouraged to buy out of the APMC markets. In such a situation it would be appropriate that when laws are being made and purchases are being allowed outside the APMC markets, MSP is guaranteed to the farmer and purchases below the MSP are declared illegal,” it said.

The resolution said, “The Bill defines a farmer as a person who engages in the production of farmers’ produce by himself or by a hired labour. This definition of farmer in the Bill is such that companies will also be included in the definition of farmer. Calling this inappropriate, the SJM said, “The definition of farmer should include only the farmer who engages himself in farming, not companies.”

On dispute resolution, it said, “The already overburdened Sub-Divisional Magistrate has been placed in key role . Due to this, it would be extremely difficult for the farmers to get justice in the event of a dispute.”