Letters to the Editor — September 22, 2020

Two pieces of legislation passed in the Rajya Sabha on Sunday, amidst ugly scenes, have left an indelible imprint as far as the functioning of our parliamentary system is concerned (Page 1, “Amid fierce protests, Rajya Sabha passes two farm Bills”, September 21). First, and what is baffling, is what the immediate necessity was in having these Bills tabled in the midst of a pandemic. Second, agriculture is a State subject and the government did not take the pains to consult the real stakeholders, especially farming organisations. Further, when the Opposition was keen on sending these Bills to a select committee, this was a genuine demand that could have been considered. Again, while passing these Bills, the government did not think it fit to listen even to the dissenting voices. The procedure adopted by the Deputy Chairman to have the Bills passed did not adhere to democratic…