Bhubaneswar: The Standing Committee-IX of the Odisha Assembly on Monday submitted three proposals to the State government, including seven years jail term for those procuring paddy from farmers below the fixed Minimum Support Price (MSP).
A meeting of the Standing Committee-IX headed by Narasingha Mishra was held today and reportedly discussed on several issues pertaining to farmers.
"After taking into account various aspects, the committee today found that the three farm bills passed by the Centre are not for the development and prosperity of farmers. Besides, we have proposed a seven-year jail term and fine for those buying paddy below the MSP," said Mishra.
These apart, the committee has also proposed installment of CCTV cameras at all the 'mandis'.
Meanwhile, paddy procurement ay mandis has begun today at mandis across the State. "Farmers can get token seven days prior to the procurement of paddy at a particular mandi. They will also get message about the date of procurement of their paddy on mobile," said supplies department MD, Biswajit Das adding that the validity of each token is one month.
On the other hand, Odisha Congress today lashed out at both the Centre and the Odisha government over the agriculture bills.
Both the BJP and the BJD have been exploiting the innocence of the farmers. So, the Congress party will definitely educate them about the outcome of the farm bills, said A Chellakumar, State in-charge of Congress.
Ruling-BJD MLA Debi Mishra said that the party will not compromise with the development of farmers and raise voice against Act or anti-farmer policy.
Hitting back at the Congress, State BJP general secretary Prithviraj Harichandan said that the Congress continues to ride on lies and spreading misleading information related to the farm bills.