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Ninety-two per cent of farm labourers in Punjab are from Dalit families, Dr Gian Singh, former professor, Department of Economics, Punjabi University, said during a lecture on 'Socio-economic Conditions of Farm Labourers and their Political Participation' here today.
Singh also highlighted the social, financial and health condition of the farm labourers and said their participation in political activities was very low.
The event was organised by the Department of Distance Education, Punjabi University.
The farm labourers continue to live in separate areas and the condition of roads and other facilities in these areas are very poor, he said.
"The caste based discrimination is also prevalent against such families and members of other castes treat them with indifference," said Dr Singh, who has done extensive work on rural areas of the state.
He also claimed that these labourers were not even provided the minimum wages.
"Despite developments and advancements in technology, the farm labourers continue to live in kuchha houses...many of them even don't have a shelter. Their kitchens are set up in cramped places and they often don't have toilets in their households," he said.
Elaborating on their financial health, Dr Singh said: "The new agriculture technology, involving harvesters, combines and other equipment, has only stolen the livelihood of farm labourers and they are forced to seek loans for their sustenance."
Discussing the solutions to pull the farm labourers out of the existing mess, he said: "Co-operative farming along with providing land for farming to such families on individual basis can be a viable option."
Source: Tribune India 0 COMMENTS
