Modi To Interact With Farmers On Christmas Day, Deposit Rs 18K Crore Digitally To Their Accounts

New Delhi: Even as the stalemate between the Centre and farmers continues over the contentious farm laws, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has decided to interact with farmers from six states on Friday.

Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who has had several rounds of futile talks with the agitating farmers over the past three weeks, will also be present.

“The farmers will share their experiences with PM-KISAN and also on various other initiatives taken by the government for the welfare of farmers,” the PMO said in a statement.

On Christmas Day, Modi also will digitally deposit Rs 18,000 crore in the bank accounts of 9 crore farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme.

It remains to be seen if Modi’s gesture manages to break the ice. Thus far, the farmers have been steadfast and stubborn in their demand of withdrawal of the three farm laws which were enacted in September.

The government, which is ready to amend the farm laws, is open for further discussions with leaders of farmers’ unions. Tomar urged farmers on Tuesday to decide on a date for the next round of talks.

The leaders of farmer’ unions have advised the government not to repeat amendments which have already been rejected.