“The principles of growth will have to be redefined. The earlier concept that the benefits of growth will percolate down has failed. Later, the terms like inclusive growth and now pro-poor growth have been coined. The plan, however, can be implemented properly only by removing discrimination in ownership of land, resources and industry,” said former Chairman of UGC Dr Sukhdev Thorat.

 

Dr Thorat was speaking during a panel discussion on research report of Herambh Kulkarni ‘Daridryachi Shodhyatra’, organised by Yashvantrao Chavan Trust and Sangharsha Vahini. Economist Dr Shrinivas Khandewale, farmer leader Vijay Jawandhia and journalist Jaydeep Hardikar were the other speakers. President of the Trust Dr Girish Gandhi was in the chair.

 

Dr Thorat explained difference in ownership of land, jobs, housing, financial strength among different caste groups and also different regions. He also referred official statistics to explain reason for poverty.

More than 85% agriculture land is owned by upper class and OBC, 76% buildings are with upper class, financial strength is with upper class. The top rich persons own 75% of the wealth, middle class hold 15% and lower 5% have nothing.

 

Dr Thorat also dealt upon neglect of tribal by neglecting them, despite framing various schemes. About 40% of tribal

population are land holders, but have remained neglected for several years.Proper development of irrigation, paying importance of rural industry and distribution of 9 lakh hectare cultivable land in the country can help in removing the divide between rural and urban population. The poverty in rural area can be reduced with proper planning.

 

Dr Khandewale said that despite government statistics show high growth rate, welfare index if very low. This is because the schemes framed by the government are rarely reach the person who really needs it. The schemes are framed and implemented by persons who are not aware of the real situation. The political parties, during election campaign dole out freeships to the poor, but never talk about their development.

 

Ownership of natural resources have been taken away by the government from the local people. In the name of globalisation, local purchase even in barter system in rural areas, has been killed. the poor has become more poor and the rich more richer. The poor-rich divide is highest in the world in India, even when it is fast emerging economic power. We have mutely accepted this form of ‘development’ and this form of democracy.

 

Jawandhiya also spoke about problems faced by the farmers. Poor support price, even when input cost is increasing. If those in employment get Rs 1500 per day, as per the present wage commission, why the agriculture labour or agriculturist should not get at least Rs 1,000 per day for eight hours’ work. he also said that those who can pay are reaping benefits of subsidy in urban area, including travelling in air condition transport facilities.

 

Hardikar also used various reports to explain divide between the poor and the rich. Even the media has stopped talking about poverty.Earlier Herambh Kulkarni, author of the book, spoke about his experience while moving across the state and meeting people facing acute poverty.In his presidential address Girish Gandhi summed up the discussion.