President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday addressed the joint sitting of both the Houses of the Parliament and said, "It's a new year and a new decade and we're also entering into the 75th year of independence. Today all MPs are present here with a message and trust that however tough be the challenge neither we nor India will stop.”
Speaking on the three farm laws, President Kovind said, "My government wants to make it clear that before the formation of the three new agricultural laws, there was no reduction in the rights and facilities which were under the old system. Rather, through these agricultural reforms, the government has given new rights to farmers."
'Small and marginal farmers are also a priority for my govt'
Speaking further on the benefits of the farm laws, Ram Nath Kovind said that small and marginal farmers are a priority for the government and to support such marginalised farmers, around Rs 1,13,000 crores have been transferred directly to their accounts under PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, so that such framers can utilize the amount for their small expenses.
'New agricultural reforms provide new facilities to farmers'
The government is dedicated to providing new facilities to the farmers, he added.
After an intensive discussion in Parliament, the government has passed the three farm bills and farmers are getting immediate advantages from the laws said the President backing the laws.
‘Making agriculture profitable’
He stated that the government committed to making agriculture more profitable and the Centre is also paying special attention to developing modern agricultural infrastructure in the country. To help develop the agriculture infrastructure 1 lakh crore rupees fund has been granted. Introduction of Kisan Rail across the country is making a new market for the farmers. So far, more than 100 farmer trains have been run through which more than 38 thousand tons of grains and fruits and vegetables have been sent by farmers from one region to another.
'Over 10 crore small farmers started getting benefits of 3 farm laws'
President Kovind said that more than 10 crore small farmers started getting benefits of 3 farm laws and many political parties have supported these reforms in the past.
‘Farm laws paused, my govt will respect the supreme court’s order’
President said that the supreme court has stayed the implementation of the three farm laws, which will be respected and followed by my govt.
‘MSP According to Swaminathan Recommendation’
The focus of 'Aatmnirbhar Bharat' is also on the farm sector, clarified Kovind adding that the government has decided to give MSP according to Swaminathan recommendation. The vice-president Naidu also was seen echoing the same, saying the goal of Aatmanirbhar Bharat will be further strengthened by self-reliance in agriculture.
16 opposition political parties have boycotted the Parliament Budget session, demanding the repeal of the farm laws and an impartial investigation of the Republic Day violence.
The decision was taken to express solidarity with the farmers protesting against the new farm laws.