The Indian government has recently created a set of laws that has created major outrage from the farming community. These laws aim to get rid of antiquated procurement procedures and the farmers ability to sell to institutional buyers and international retailers. This would put growers at the mercy of small buyers. Farmers from all around the country have flooded to the outskirts of the capital Delhi to protest these laws, and leaders of unions met and spoke with government officials, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The minister expressed that while the government would take the farmers’ words into consideration, he was a defender of these laws. Leaders offered an amendment as a possible compromise, however the farmers were hard set on the complete throwing out of these laws. The officials will meet again on December fifth, to discuss possible solutions or changes.
India’s economy is largely affected by farming and agriculture. It makes up at least 15% of it, and half of India’s population is employed by agriculture. If they were to create laws that disrupt and upset farmers, it would not be a smart decision on behalf of the government. It would create a lot of resentment to go through with a law with a negative effect on half the population, not to mention a law that these farmers are actively protesting and trying to change. Since India does have elections, it would be a poor choice on behalf of the administration to make these changes that will outrage half the population, if they wish to be reelected.
India is a recognized state, which means it has sovereignty. This means the government has power over domestic affairs. Since this law has to do with policy within the country, the government has full control over the creation and amending of them. Although the citizens of India are not fond of these new laws, the government of India has the power to make them, and dictate how they are enforced in the country.