The issue of rising farmers' suicide cannot be dealt with "overnight", the Supreme Court said while agreeing with the government's request for a year to show effective results of its pro-farmer schemes like the Fasal Bima Yojana.
"It is justified on behalf of the Attorney General to seek time for effective results," a bench of Chief Justice JS Khehar and Justice DY Chandrachud said.
The bench granted the Centre time and fixed a public interest litigation filed by a non-governmental organisation Citizens Resource and Action Initiative (CRANTI) for hearing after six months.
Attorney General KK Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, referred to various "pro-farmer" measures being taken by the ruling NDA government and said the government should be given adequate time to produce effective results.
He said that out of 12 crore farmers, 5.34 crore have already been covered under various welfare schemes, including the Fasal Bima Yojana.
Venugopal also said, that almost 30 percent farm land has been covered under the crop insurance scheme and the figure will substantially rise by the end of 2018.
The court, which initially said that the number of farmer suicides was rising, later agreed to the contention of the government and granted it time.
The bench, meanwhile, asked the Centre to consider the suggestions of senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the NGO CRANTI, in formulating measures to deal with the issue of farmer suicides.
The bench was hearing the PIL raising the issue of farmer suicides in Gujarat, which was later expanded pan-India by the Supreme Court.
Essential Business Intelligence, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice, Daily Fuel, Gold and Silver Prices and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
