For the majority of Indian farmers hardships, uncertainties, poverty and indebtedness have become a way of life. Although every passing regime has claimed that highest priority will be given to the farm sector, yet nothing concrete has been done in this regard so far. Now the present government has come up with a new scheme which seems to be mocking the plight of Indian farmers. Presenting the interim budget, the interim Finance Minister Piyush Goyal announced a financial support package for marginal farmers called ‘Kisan Nidhi Scheme’ which includes direct cash transfer of ₹ 6,000 per year in three instalments.
In other words, it’s just trivial monetary support of ₹ 17 per day. The amount is highly insufficient in the present market situation, and the decision was taken without paying any heed to the farmers’ woes and their grass root realities. What according to Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a ‘historic step’ for farmers’ welfare, is nothing but a mere election gimmick.
How adequate this meagre sum of money is to compensate for their lives which they end by committing suicide after suffering losses? Our ‘so-called’ leaders unfailingly try to reap benefits during elections by cashing in on farmers’ hopes and vulnerabilities.
Multiple farmer-centric schemes have surfaced since independence, but none of them has benefitted the farm sector in a holistic manner. The stark reality is that the life of a marginal Indian farmer is no better than that of a daily wage labourer. Often these poor farmers are bound to sell their lands as they are unable to afford the high cost of farming. Instead of extending actual financial and infrastructural assistance to the farmers, the politicians resort to loan waivers in the name of compensation.
The 2019 interim budget has nothing substantial to offer the poor landless farmers, sharecroppers and tillers. It offers nothing to ease their chronic socio-economic distress. Most of the farmers have expressed dissatisfaction over ‘Kisan Nidhi’ scheme, as the promised financial aid is frugal and insufficient. Giving them ₹ 17 a day is an insult to their hard work and contribution to the Indian economy.