Without a doubt, the issue of farmers’ suicide is a grave concern for the whole country. On Monday, the apex court of the nation also expressed its concern over the matter and asked the Central government to explain how it will ensure that the states handle the issue properly.
A bench led by Chief Justice J S Khehar said,
“It is a very serious issue and the Centre should file the proposed line of action to be taken by states with regard to the farmers’ suicide with the apex court registry within four weeks.”
The bench also comprised of Justices S K Kaul and D Y Chandrachud and asked the government to derive a policy which straight away deals with the basic reasons which compel farmers to take such a serious step.
Representing the government, Additional Solicitor General P S Narasimha has said that the government is leaving no stone unturned in dealing with this matter. It is now buying food grains straight from farmers to give them proper price; their insurance covers are being increased; they are given loans and provided with compensation for crop loss.
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The Additional Solicitor has also said that the government is in the process of making a comprehensive policy for dealing with the serious concern of farmers’ suicide. The bench stated,
“Agriculture is a state subject and the Centre will coordinate with states and come up with a line of action to address root cause of farmers committing suicide.”
The hearing took place on the plea submitted by an NGO about the pathetic situation of farmers in Gujarat. Many of them have committed suicide but the apex court has increased the scope of the hearing to the whole country. The name of the NGO is ‘Citizens Resource and Action and Initiative’ represented by Colin Gonsalves, the senior advocate who has stated in front of the bench that more than 3,000 farmers have given up their lives and there is need for the government to deal with the real concerns and a proper policy should be made to tackle the issue.
Earlier, the Supreme Court has slammed the government and said that it is traveling in the “wrong direction” as far as dealing with the exact problem is concerned.
The bench has also said that this matter is of “extreme importance” and providing compensation to the family of a farmer after his suicide will not serve the real purpose.
The Additional Solicitor has informed the court that the government has introduced many schemes for farmers and such unfortunate incidents will definitely reduce to a great extent with the crop insurance scheme introduced in 2015. However, he has also said that more schemes need to be started to help farmers and to increase their faith in the government.
We also believe that this matter should be dealt properly and whatever is needed should be done to stop farmers from committing suicide.