PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Friday welcomed a proposal to provide a ‘basic income’ to poor and small farmers, even as he cautioned against the Centre’s plans to lay down conditions for eligibility.
In a statement, Mr. Ramadoss said he welcomed the proposal to provide ₹2,500/acre to poor and ₹8,000/acre to small farmers. “There are reports that the Centre is mulling over this scheme. There is no doubt that such schemes would be beneficial to the people. However, certain conditions that have been drafted are problematic,” he said.
“Providing basic income and simultaneously getting rid of subsidies will not help in eradicating poverty. There is also a danger of the public distribution system being dismantled and fair price shops being closed,” Mr. Ramadoss said.
Noting that the basic income was being mooted for a family of five, he said, “If a family is smaller, the basic income would be lesser.”
The basic income should be provided in addition to existing subsidies and services, he added.