India, UN human rights chief clash over farmers protests

New Delhi: India has responded to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet's comments on the farmers' protests and said it lacks 'objectivity and impartiality'.

In response to Michelle Bachelet's comments that the farmers' agitation highlight the importance of ensuring laws and policies are based on meaningful consultations with those concerned, Ambassador Indra Mani Pandey, Permanent Representative of India, said, "The Government of India has set a goal of doubling the income of farmers by 2024. The purpose of enacting three Farm Acts is to enable farmers to realise better price for their produce and enhance their income."

He added, "It will particularly benefit small farmers and offer more choices to those farmers who opt for them. The Government has shown utmost respect for protests by farmers and has remained engaged in dialogue with them to address their concerns."