Rakesh Tikait Criticizes Budget Allocations and Calls for MSP Law

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait has voiced support for opposition claims that states backing the Indian government received more funds in the Union Budget 2024. He also called for strict monitoring of the budget allocation to Bihar and raised concerns about the promotion of genetically modified (GM) seeds and the absence of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) law.

"The opposition is correct when it says that those states who are supporting the govt of India have got more money (in the budget)," Tikait said. He emphasized the need to ensure proper use of funds allocated to Bihar, stating, "The money which has gone to Bihar must be monitored for where and how it is being used."

Tikait also expressed fears about the introduction of GM seeds in the agriculture sector, saying, "They have said that private researchers will be given space in the agri sector, and I fear that they might promote GM seeds."

Highlighting the ongoing issue of MSP, Tikait added, "The crops from the entire country couldn't be brought at MSP. Forming a law which guarantees MSP won't cost even a penny to them, but this is a govt of big industrialists and hence the govt won't form the law to save them from any loss."