Debt waiver scheme faces flak from panel on naxalism

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A high-level panel set up by the Planning Commission on naxalite issues has slammed the government over the introduction of the debt waiver scheme, which is meant for farmers only. The group of experts said that the scheme does not address the real cause of indebtedness and covers only those farmers who own land and have outstanding dues. “Any meaningful debt relief should cover not only small farmers but all poor people like, small artisans and small fishermen, who go to moneylenders for credit,” the group said in its report submitted to the Commission recently.

On the much debated issue of land acquisition for special economic zones (SEZs), the panel lashed out at the government, saying that the idea of an SEZ, “irrespective of whether it is established in multi-cropped land or not, is an assault on a major livelihood resource”.

There have been blood baths over land acquisition for SEZs and questions have been raised over the loss of revenue in the form of taxes, and their effect on agricultural production. “In both these debates there is no understanding that land is a livelihood resource. Whether it is multi-cropped or single-cropped, whether it is fertile or infertile, it is the source of livelihood for the farmer and also for other rural inhabitants whose livelihood depends directly or indirectly on land,” the experts said.

Strongly opposing the move of putting up tribal lands for auction by banks, to realise long pending debts, the panel said that the government should prohibit any such practice and instead, work towards reviving and restructuring the large area multi-purpose cooperative societies (LAMPS) and primary agricultural cooperative societies (PACS), with the specific target of meeting all credit needs of scheduled castes (SCs), scheduled tribes (STs) and other weaker sections.

Stating that low levels of literacy, low per capita food grain production and a high infant mortality rate has forced people in Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh to take up arms, the panel said the government should consider overhauling and revitalising the cooperative banking structure, that is easily accessible to the poorer sections. There is also a need for widespread provision of grain banks managed by Gram Sabhas, in tribal areas. Special provisions for long-term loans for purchase of land by asset-less poor and resource less families who are dependent upon agriculture for their livelihoods, should be arranged.