Farmers Movement Archive

‘Will aim to grant 2-3 acres plot to rural landless’

Vasco: Union minister of state for social justice Ramdas Athawale on Friday said that his party, Republican Party of India, will organise a Bhumi Mukti Andolan on February 25 across the country, including Goa, demanding five acres of land for every Below Poverty Line (BPL) family in rural areas. The land is meant to help landless families survive through agriculture. “Goa does not have sufficient land and so, at least, two-three acres of land can be given,” he said. Athawale said he will be writing to chief minister Pramod Sawant to consider promotions for persons who come under the reserved categories. “The Maratha Samaj in Maharashtra is appealing for reservation and I feel that should be allotted to them. Even the Kshatriya Samaj should get at least 10-12% of reservation,” he said. Speaking about the ongoing farmers’ protests in the country, Athawale said the farm bills are aimed at empowering farmers. “These farmers elected Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice and so he will not work against their welfare. We are ready to talk and to make amendments, but the ‘kissan’ leaders are not ready for talks. We gave the permissions for all their rallies and in turn they insulted the national flag and attacked the police. If we had to not given them permission, they would have blamed the government,” he said.

The Times of India

2021-02-13

Goa