Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs RK Ranjan Singh on Tuesday stated that there is a likelihood of bringing reform in land policy in the country, considering the inconveniences caused to farmers in availing the benefit of agriculture-related schemes.
Ranjan was speaking during the programme of Prime Minister’s nationwide interaction with various beneficiaries/schemes of the government of India through webcast held at ICAR Manipur Centre on Tuesday.
Addressing the function as chief guest, Ranjan said that with the advent of Modi-led BJP government, as many as 180 people’s-oriented schemes have been launched to be implemented by around 16 government departments. However, many farmers are still not availing many welfare schemes meant for them due to absence of land record as majority of farmers are tenants, the MP added.
He continued, saying that considering this issue as one of the stumbling blocks of real farmers to enjoy all such schemes, there is a chance of reforming land policy by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the country.
It is believed that economic reforms of the country were brought in the 1980s, but it was enjoyed by just a few sections of the society, the MP said, adding that the real meaning of development and change where every section of society lived with meaningful life was seen only during the last eight years.
Many inhumane laws of around 1,000, which were enacted during the British period to keep people of country as “slave”, were removed by this government. The present government viewed those acts obsolete and hindering pace of development, he added, while stating about gradual removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act from various places of Northeast states.
He also said that connectivity of Northeast states has improved a lot with the formation of the BJP government. Manipur also got an opportunity to bring a multi modal transport system as the state would become gateway of Southeast Asia once Act East Policy is being implemented effectively which is currently being affected due to ongoing Myanmar political crisis, the MP said.
During the programme farmers also shared their views, experiences and suggestions about various welfare schemes. They showed their gratitude for the implementing such useful schemes but also suggested developing some steps where beneficiaries can avail the scheme without facing much hassle.
Other dignitaries who attended the function were MLA of Patsoi AC, Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh; up-adhyaksha, Imphal West, Laishram Boby Devi and joint director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, I Meghachandra Singh as guests of honour and president respectively.
