NEW DELHI: The central government on Friday decided that it will repeal the three new agri-laws over which farmers across India have been protesting for months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday addressed the nation at 9 am. In a stunning U-turn, the prime minister has decided to repeal all three agricultural reform laws that have sparked almost a year of massive protests by farmers.
"Today I want to tell everyone that we have decided to repeal all three farm laws," PM Narendra Modi announced in an address to the nation.
"Goal of three farm laws was to empower farmers, especially small farmers," PM Modi said.
"Three laws were in farmers' benefit but we couldn't convince a section of farmers despite best efforts," PM Modi added.
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Notably, incoming Parliament session constitutional measures will be taken to repeal these farm laws, PM Modi said on Friday.
PM Narendra Modi also appealed to protesting farmers to call off their agitation and return to their homes.
PM Modi announces to repeal all three farm laws. "Today I want to tell everyone that we have decided to repeal all three farm laws," PM Modi said during an address to the nation.
To ensure that farmers get the right amount for their hard work, many steps were taken. We strengthened the rural infrastructure market. We not only increased MSP but also set up record govt procurement centres. Procurement by our govt broke the record of past several decades: PM Modi
We worked to provide farmers with seeds at reasonable rates and facilities like micro-irrigation, 22 crore soil health cards. Such factors have contributed to increased agriculture production. We strengthened Fasal Bima Yojana, brought more farmers under it: PM Modi
Agriculture budget has risen by 5 times, over ₹1.25 lakh crore being spent annually: PM Modi
We have seen the challenges of farmers very closely in the life of our five decades. When the country gave us the opportunity to serve as Pradhan Sevaks in 2014, we gave top priority to agricultural development, farmer welfare, PM Modi said
PM Modi lists out measures taken by the Centre to improve farmers' situation.
PM Modi extends greeting on Guru Nanak Jayanti. "I extend my heartiest congratulations to all the people of the world and to all the countrymen. My heartiest congratulations to all the people of the world and to all the countrymen," he said.
PM Modi paid tribute to Sikhism founder Guru Nanak Dev on his birth anniversary, saying his vision of a just, compassionate and inclusive society inspires people.
The prime minister also paid tributes to Rani Lakshmibai, the Jhansi queen who had died fighting the British forces, saying she has a special place in the history of India and her bravery will not be forgotten by generations.
The prime minister is travelling to Jhansi on Friday to launch development projects and also to hand over indigenous defence equipment to the three military chiefs.