Hiremath seeks policy for land use

'Corporate companies should mention project objective for acquiring land'

Samaja Parivartana Samudaya chief S R Hiremath said agriculture land should not be given for non-agriculture purposes and a policy for land use should be framed. 

Speaking at a public meeting on ‘Mega Projects, Corruption and People’s Resistance’ organised by Krishi Bhoomi Samrakshana Sam-ithi at Kuthethoor on Sunday, he said corporate companies should clearly mention the project objective for acquiring the land in the beginning itself. “They take away 500 acres of land when they need only 50 acres. People should be aware of this fact,” he added. 

“Not only corporate companies, even others should clearly mention the reason for land acquisition. America has a very strict and rigid rule for land acquisition. There is a need to refuel the concept of tillers are the owners of land,” he observed. 

He said the farmers should adopt cooperative model to ensure that they are the owners of the produce they grow. KMF and Amul are a few examples for the success stories in cooperative sector. 

When fishermen sell the fish catch directly to the cooperative society without a middleman, they fetch a good profit. 

The same system should be followed in the agriculture sector. This helps to prevent farmers from getting cheated by the middlemen, he added. 

Referring to JNU student leader Kanhaiya Kumar’s incident, Hiremath said that the government is following a suppressing policy. 

All the companies, including MRPL, should furnish details to applicants on information sought under RTI Act. The people should develop an attitude to question. “Locals are opposing the extension of MRPL. I am ready to stand by the people in their fight,” he added. 

Progressive thinker Dr Jerry Pais presided over the programme.