Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 9 am today. (File)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation at 9 am today, making a stunning announcement to repeal the three contentious farm laws that farmers' have been protesting for over a year.
On the occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti -- the birth anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak -- PM Modi spoke of schemes and initiatives that their government has implemented for farmers, and emphasised the Centre's commitment to farmers' welfare, especially that of small farmers.
Finally, PM Modi noted that the farm laws were introduced with good intentions, yet they haven't been able to convince farmers of their merits, leading to a decision to withdraw the three laws.
Here are the Highlights from PM Modi's address:
On Parkash Purab, I congratulate and wish people all over the world on this occasion. It is also a happy occasion that after a gap of one and a half years, the Kartarpur corridor is open again. Our government is committed to serve, taking forward Guru Nanak's message.
In my five decades of work, I have seen the difficulties faced by the farmers. When the nation made me the Prime Minister, I placed utmost importance to krishi vikas or farmers' development.
To overcome the challenges of the small farmers of the country, we worked all-round on seeds, insurance, markets and savings. Along with good quality seeds, the government also connected the farmers with facilities like neem coated urea, soil health card, micro-irrigation.
Fasal Bima Yojana has also helped farmers. Rs one lakh crore have been given to farmers as compensation, and bima and pension have also been provided. There has been direct benefit transfer as well for the farmers.
Rural market infrastructure has been strengthened, and the minimum support price (MSP) has been raised. 1,000 mandis have been connected to e-mandis, allowing them a platform to sell their produce anywhere in the country.
Micro-irrigation fund has been doubled as well. Crop loan has been doubled too. Annual budgets have been raised in favour of farmers.
Efforts are being made to improve their Financial well-being. Our government is committed to farmers' welfare, especially small farmers. We are committed to serve them fully.
We brought in farm laws with good intentions. Yet, we haven't been able to convince farmers. A section of them has been opposing the laws, even as we kept trying to educate and inform them.
We tried our best to explain to farmers. We were even ready to modify the laws, suspend them too. The matter reached the Supreme Court as well.
In view of this, we are repealing the farm laws.
We appeal to farmers, on this auspicious day of Guru Purab, to return to your homes, to your fields. I assure you that I will work even harder to realise your dreams.