Govt, Parliament have great respect for farmers: PM in Lok Sabha

Road to fighting climate change is through climate justice

 New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the Central Government and the Parliament have great respect for the farmers who are voicing their views on the three farm bills and that is why top most ministers have been talking to them.Replying in Lok Sabha to the discussion on the motion of thanks to the President’s address to the joint sitting of Parliament, Modi again allayed apprehensions on the farm laws, saying neither any agriculture ‘mandi’ (market) has shut down after the three laws were enacted nor has the MSP stopped, rather the MSP has only increased which no one can deny.“This House, our government and we all respect farmers who are voicing their views on the farm bills. This is the reason why topmost ministers of the government are constantly talking to them. There is great respect for farmers.“After the laws relating to agriculture were passed by Parliament, no ‘mandi’ has shut. Likewise, MSP has remained. Procurement on MSP has remained. These facts can’t be ignored,” he said.The prime minister said those who are disrupting the House are doing so as per a well-planned strategy as they are unable to digest that people can see the truth.“Through their games, the trust of the people can never be won,” he said, amidst protests by the opposition members.The Congress walked out of Lok Sabha as PM Modi explained the government’s stand on the three farm laws.Modi said the Congress has taken different stands in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. “A divided and confused party like this can do no good to the country,” he added.Modi said India has managed the COVID-19 pandemic successfully despite adverse predictions and the country has now become a ray of hope for the world.He said the world post-COVID-19 is turning out to be very different and in such times remaining isolated from the global trends will be counter-productive.“That is why India is working towards building an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India), which seeks to further global good.“Predictions were made India cannot survive as a nation, but people of our country proved them wrong and we are now a ray of hope for the world,” he said.Complimenting health care and frontline workers for their relentless work during the pandemic, the prime minister said the way India has managed the coronavirus crisis is a turning point and the world has seen its success.The address of the President has showcased India’s ‘Sankalp Shakti’ and his words have boosted the spirit of confidence among the people of India, infused new confidence and inspired every heart.“During the discussion on the President’s speech, a large number of women MPs took part. This is a great sign. I want to congratulate the women MPs who enriched the House proceedings with their thoughts,” he said.Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the road to fighting climate change is through climate justice and called for giving developing countries enough space to grow.Addressing the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS), Modi said two things will define how the progress journey of humanity will unfold in the times to come — “health of our people and health of our planet, both of which are interlinked”.”The road to fighting climate change is through climate justice. At the root of climate justice is the principle of being large-hearted. Climate justice is also about thinking about the bigger and long-term picture,” he said.The remarks at the Summit, which brings together a wide range of experts to discuss ways to mitigate climate change, come amid a continuing tug of war between developed and developing countries on who needs to do more to save the environment by reducing emissions.Noting that the sad reality is that environmental changes and natural disasters impact the poor the most, Modi said climate justice is inspired by a vision of trusteeship where growth comes with greater compassion for the poorest.”Climate justice also means giving the developing countries enough space to grow. When each and every one of us understand our individual and collective duties, climate justice will be achieved,” he said.Asserting that India’s intent is supported by concrete action, Modi said the country, powered by spirited public efforts, is on track to exceed its commitments and targets set at the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015.”We committed to reduce the emissions intensity of GDP by 33-35 per cent from 2005 levels. You’ll be happy to know that a drop of 24 per cent of emission intensity has already been achieved,” he said.Modi also said India is making steady progress on its commitment to land degradation neutrality.”We’re well on track to setting up 450 GW of renewable energy generating capacity by 2030,” the prime minister said.Highlighting the impact of his government’s schemes in combating climate change, Modi said the Jal Jeevan Mission has connected over 34 million households with tap connections in just about 18 months and through the PM Ujjwala Yojana, over 18 million households below the poverty line have access to clean cooking fuel.”The destination we seek is a greener planet. Our culture’s deep respect for forest and green cover is translating into outstanding results,” he said.”I’d like to draw attention to two aspects – togetherness and innovation. Sustainable development will only be achieved by collective efforts,” he asserted.The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is the annual flagship event of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). Instituted in 2001, the Summit series has marked 20 years in its journey of making ‘sustainable development’ a globally shared goal.