Sharad Yadav flays Modi Govt over crop insurance

Former Union Minister and chief of the newly-floated Loktantrik Janata Dal (LJD) Sharad Yadav on Monday hit out at the Modi Government over a host of issues, including its crop insurance policy.

Painting a grim picture of the rural economy and plight of farmers, Yadav alleged that crop insurance scheme  has become a source of “loot” for insurance companies, which have earned Rs 9,929 crore and settled only 32 per cent of claims by farmers.

Criticising the Government over “lack of employment”, he said the rate of employment growth has come down to less than half a per cent.

He also attacked the Government over its alleged refusal to receive financial aid from United Arab Emirates for flood-ravaged Kerala and said its help of only Rs 570 crore to the state is less than Rs 1,670 crore it is paying for per unit of the Rafale aircraft.

Yadav claimed that the Government’s move to check circulation of alleged fake news on social media, especially WhatsApp, is driven by its desire to control information as its policies and leaders are facing increasing criticism from people.