Bhopal: Asserting that Naxalism was a
socio-economic problem, Union Agriculture Minister Sharad
Pawar on Sunday said it could be solved through education and
development.
"Guns and police can't solve the Naxal problem. It is a
socio-economic problem which can be tackled through education
and development," Pawar said addressing the 15th national
conference of Akhil Bhartiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad here.
Education is a must for the uplift of 11-crore tribals in
the country, the NCP chief said.
Literacy rate is very low among the tribals, especially
their womenfolk, he said but added that there was 90 per cent
literacy among tribals in some places in the North East.
He said the new economic policy pursued by Prime
Ministers Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, Atal Behari Vajpayee
and Dr Manmohan Singh has many benefits.
But, we have to ensure that the weakest section of the
society is not exploited under it, he added.
"We have to look at the woes of the tribals and address
them. A lot is needed to be done for them," Pawar said.
The Union Minister opined that 11 per cent of the general
budget should be earmarked for the tribals' development.
Chief Ministers of all states and Union Territories will
hold talks and give suggestions on the Food security Bill
which is being worked out, he said adding that under it, the
government proposes to give per month 35 kg food grains - with
wheat at Rs 2 per kg, rice for Rs 3 per kg to the people
living below the poverty line.
PTI
First Published: Monday, December 20, 2010, 00:20