The Farmers’ and Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, were passed in the Rajya Sabha by voice vote amid ruckus by Opposition MPs on Sunday.
Proceedings in the Upper House were adjourned for a brief period after opposition parties surrounded the well of the House and protested against the government’s alleged hurry to push the contentious farm bills. TMC MP Derek O’Brien stood infront of the Deputy Chairman’s seat and attempted to show him the rulebook of the House. The session has resumed and is currently underway. Leader of Opposition Gulam Nabi Azad said that the norm is that the House timing is extended on the basis of consensus and not on numbers of the ruling party. He said that the consensus was that the House be adjourned for the day.
The development comes amid a massive protest by Haryana farmers, who have decided to block all roads, including highways, from 12 noon to 3 pm across the state. Additional Chief Secretary (home) Vajai Vardhan has asked the officers to deal with protesters with “tact and patience”. However, he added that “they (protesters) should not be allowed to take law in their hands and prompt action be taken against those found to be indulging in loot, arson or damage to life, property or vehicles”.
