Farmers' kin criticise Agri minister over 'suicide' remark

Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh was today slammed by the women kin of farmers who have committed suicide in Maharashtra, for his controversial remarks on the causes behind them taking the extreme step.
Babytai Wagh, convener of 'Ekal Mahila Kisan Sanghatna', rubbished Singh's comments, saying, "Alcohol is not a problem and reason for farmers' suicide. Alcohol is a symptom of overall problem. If the minister (Singh) says love affairs cause farmers to end their lives what happens to rich people. Do women fall for alcoholic and debt-ridden farmers?"
Earlier, in his reply in Parliament on the sensitive issue, Singh had listed dowry, love affairs and alcohol as some causes of suicide by farmers, which drew severe flak from the Opposition parties.

The organisation today met Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis here and submitted a memorandum listing eleven demands including a hike in pension to the kin of farmers who have committed suicide.
"The demands include a monthly pension of Rs 2000. Currently, the pension under Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana is Rs 600," she said.
The organisation also demanded relaxation in norms while granting aid to women from the affected families.

"Similarly, there should be a quota in government jobs for the women from affected families. Government should also provide assistance to the children of the affected women to pursue higher education," she said.

Other demands include incorporating women from the families of the deceased farmers in BPL list, Health Insurance Scheme, Social Security and Housing schemes.
Wagh said the CM assured the delegation of studying their demands and taking appropriate decision.