Pointing out that the recent farm loan waiver announced by the State government would not help the landless dalit community, Dalita Hakkugala Samithi has demanded that the government waive loans borrowed from Dr.B.R.Ambedkar Development Corporation.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Gopalkrishna Haralahalli, State convenor of the outfit, said that the farm loans would in no way help dalits as majority of them are landless and hence don’t have farm loans. “The State government waiver might be aimed at helping farmers of all castes and communities. However, it doesn’t help dalits, the most oppressed rural community, as they are landless and not eligible to avail farm loan facilities. They have borrowed loans in smaller amount under micro finance scheme from Ambedkar Development Corporation.”
Mr. Haralahalli also demanded provision of at least 5 acres of cultivable lands to each landless dalit family so that they could lead a life with dignity. “Deprivation of land and shelter is a big issue for dalits. Since they don’t have lands to cultivate, they are forced to work as cheap agricultural labour. Their development is possible only when they are provided with means of livelihood,” he said. He announced that a decentralised agitation would be held across the State in association with Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha and other like-minded organisations to press the demand.
Pointing at the attacks on dalits and minorities by right-wing forces, Mr. Haralahalli alleged that the Union government was backing right-wing forces across the country to instigate communal violence.
Sharanabasappa Mamsheeti, Panduranga Mavinakar and other leaders were present.
