Govt proposal is justified farmers now must accept: CAIT
New Delhi, NFAPost: Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) said the strike by farmers which continued for more than 55 days in Delhi and NCR region has caused a business loss of about Rs 50,000 crore which is quite alarming at a time when the trading community is recovering Covid-19 related huge business losses last year.
CAIT National President B C Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that the fresh proposal of the government to keep farm laws in abeyance for one and a half year and constituting a joint committee with farmer leaders is quite justified and reasonable.
“The government decision indicates the willingness of the government’s to resolve the crisis and therefore now the farmers should accept this proposal in the larger interest of the farming community and a large number of others sections engaged in Agri trade and call off their agitation,” said CAIT office bearers.
The trade body also pointed out that if still, farmers do not accept the proposal of the Government, it will be construed that they are not interested in solution but certain divisive forces are more willing to create problems.
“The farm laws are not connected with farmers alone. About 1.25 crore traders across the country are working in Mandis and these traders facilitate farmers for not only in selling their crops but also help them in many ways at the time of their need. These traders provide direct employment to more than 4 crore people,” said CAIT.
CAIT also highlighted that the farm laws talks about removing this important component of the supply chain. “What will happen to the livelihood of these large number of people. Will they be out from their livelihood merely at one stroke? Therefore, the interests of these people also need to be protected,” said CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal.
The trade body also appealed to the government that traders should also be given representation in proposed joint committee. “If any agreement is achieved without taking the traders into confidence, the farm Act issue will remain in controversy and all exercise of the government may prove to be futile. We look for a comprehensive solution of the contentious issue and legitimate interest of all stakeholders needs to be protected,” said the trade body.
