Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Nov 14: “MP Shobha is brainwashing the farmers’ minds. Such statements do not match her position. She always complains that the state government does not carry out its duties properly. Instead of complaining, MP Shobha can put pressure on the central government to implement the Kasturirangan report in the state. Three months ago the central government sent back the report to the state government after amending three recommendations out of 26”, said Sachin Meega, president of KPCC’s Kisan-Khet Mazdoor cell.
He was speaking at a press meet on Saturday November 14 and said, “Nearly 780 suicide cases of farmers’ have been reported from the state of which five have occurred in the district”.
“The cell members have spoken to 152 families. In my tour of Karnataka, I have visited 25 districts. A report has been submitted to the chief minister in connection with compensation to the farmers’ families”.
“The state government has ordered for waiving off interest on loan and susti interest to farmers. This gives an opportunity for farmers to be free of civil court cases”, he said.
He emphasized the need for district in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake to suspend the district joint director and assistant commissioner for their negligence towards farmers' interests.
Referring to the death of farmer Mahesh Poojary of Shirva, Meega explained that he was basically from an agrarian background. He had taken two loans namely one on his auto and the other for agriculture related work, borrowed from the Cooperative Society, Shirva. All the documents are in his wife's name. Hence, Mahesh’s family was refused compensation by the authority in spite of having the required documents.
On the arecanut ban the president said, “Arecanut is injurious to health as proved by a proficient team. If the opposition party has any objections, they may submit an affidavit to the High Court before December 27”.
Further, condemning Shobha Karandlaje for focussing on raitha chaitanya Yatre, Meega added, “Shobha Karandlaje should first push the central government to release 50% of the money of interest free loan before continuing with her ‘raitha chaitanya Yatre’”.
He alleged that the national crop insurance scheme is the cause for the downfall of crops and pressurized the government to make changes in availing of individual insurance. The insurance department has collected Rs 246 crores, but has spent just Rs 116 crores.
Sachin Meega urged the need to bring about changes in minimum support price policy.
Shashidhar Shetty, president, Congress Kisan unit Udupi, Nagappa Kotary, Chandrashekhar Shetty and others were present at the press meet.