People's Democracy

         Relief For Farmers Disappointing: AIKS

S Ramachandran Pillai, president, All India Kisan Sabha and K Varadharajan, general secretary, All India Kisan Sabha have issued the following statement on June 22:

THE debt relief package announced by the UPA government for farmers is disappointing as it does not provide substantial relief to the indebted peasants.  In addition to the announced schemes, the central government  should take immediate steps to ease the burden of debt by implementing appropriate loan waiver schemes particularly for the benefits of the poorer sections among the peasantry and for those whose crops have been continuously ruined by natural calamities.  The high interest rates on agricultural loans should be reduced.  The funds announced are inadequate and should be enhanced. (INN)