Why Is Nobody Screaming Now?
By Aditi Munot
14 January,
2009
Countercurrents.org
Every time any subsidy or holiday is given to farmers in India, industry makes a big fuss. Industry and the urban population at large, is perpetually complaining about the tax exemption provided to farmers, the free electricity doled out, the subsidies offered in education and other walks of life to farmers.
There was a big hue and cry about the 60000 crore waiver accorded to farmers’ loans. All urbanites were, and are still fretting about how these bloody useless farmers get everything for free. Industry complains about paying the maximum tax and never getting any benefit in return. Salaried populace grouse about being honest tax payers and seeing their hard earned money being spent on worthless farmers. There is a rage against these farmers on account of the belief that India’s growth and progress is coming about because of the sincere, urban tax payers. Infrastructure and other developments are being done only because of industry’s contribution. Then why are these free-bees being bestowed with so many benefits? Tell them to work hard, pay taxes and make a living.
But every time industry gets subsidies, tax holidays, exemptions, special economic zones, export zones, 20000 crore waivers- it seems a rightful take. Industry gets land for free or at throw away prices and that appears a necessity. Villagers are forced to give up hours of electricity supply, decent water supply for the sake of industry and the big malls and shopping plazas and hotels in cities and that makes complete sense. All infrastructure spends, developments are done in a select few urban areas – but that feels like the obvious.
No one screams when the IT industry is given a tax holiday. Companies making 20-30% profits do not pay a single paisa tax but people are complaining about poor farmers holding less than an acre of land, unable to sustain a basic living not paying tax! An Ispat runs on public money, gets interest rates lowered by banks, and is still not repaying principal amount but the farmers are crooks and thugs! The automobile industry gets booster after booster of reforms and waivers but the loan waivers of farmers being forced to commit suicide seems unfair! A Tata threatens and gets its way, a Reliance loots and gets away, a Satyam frauds but needs a bailout on public money, an Enron cheats and moves on but we cannot accept small little benefits being passed on to farmers! The US Big Three bailout seems imperative for the Indian auto ancillary industry but the Indian farmers’ bailout unnecessary!
There is a need to recognise that over 70% of India’s population depends on farming and related activities for their survival. It is important for these people to be able to make a decent living and have access to all facilities and amenities. The country’s progress is possible and sensible when all sectors and segments of society develop and grow together. The farmers do not want bailouts- these are temporary quick fixes. They want permanent solutions to their problems. They need support like industry for fair price, irrigation, elimination of middlemen, access to market, a hassle free system and so on.
It is time
the urbanites stops discriminating against farmers and the rural populace.
It is time to understand that every Indian has an equal right to a
decent standard of living and a share of the developments and growth
taking place in the country.
