Rich farmers availing govt schemes: Expert

Our Correspondent

Tarn Taran, February 28

Prof Ranjit Singh Ghuman, a well-known economist, has said the imperialistic model of development was the root cause of all social, economic, business and other problems in society as well as crisis in the agriculture sector. Ghuman was addressing members of the Zamhoori Kisan Sabha during a three-day state-level session at Dhotian village, 12 km from here, on Friday.

He said it was a matter of great concern that top 1 per cent population were holding 73 per cent wealth of the country and there was a large gap between the incomes of rich and the poor sections of society. This was the only reason behind unemployment in the country, he said. Ghuman said drug menace and the migration of youths to other countries was a big threat to the state.

He said schemes launched for the welfare of marginal farmers were mainly availed by rich farmers. He suggested that farmers holding more than 10 acres of land should voluntarily surrender free power facility and in this way the government would save Rs 3,000 annually. This money can be used for the welfare of distressed farmers.