Uplift of backward impossible sans land reforms

Kolkata, Oct 26 (UNI) West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today said uplift of backward people was not possible only through reservation without proper land reforms.

" Reservation alone is not a solution. We have to change socio-economic situation of the country through land reforms. Only reservation will cater to the creamy layer of the society. We are opposed to it, " he said while launching the Kolkata edition of Hindu Businessline.

He regretted that despite reservation being in force for so many years in the country the backward people remained backward and their situation did not improve.

However, defending the recent extension of reservation for OBC section, he said the society had a responsibility to protect those lagging behind others on economic ladder.

He also criticised the upper caste agitation against reservation and the role of a section of media.

" Press has to be above all communal and casteist considerations, " he iterated.

Mr Bhattacharjee also observed that media has a responsible role in moulding public opinion for the intersts of the commoners and called for protecting the country's multi-religious, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic character.

Dwelling on the topic of the freedom of press, he said media should be free in strict sense and it would not be possible to reach the bottom of the truth if they serve only a particular section of the society.

Welcoming the advent of Hindu Businessline in the state, he said West Bengal was one of the top five states in industrial growth in recent times with his government trying its best to facilitate growth of indstry and trade.

The priority of media should be attuned to the needs of the people and the society, he opined.

Editor-in-Chief of Hindu N Ram said this was the first footprint of the paper in Kolkata, adding the launch of the paper was decided keeping in view the tremendous development potential of the state.

He showered encomiums on the Chief Minister and described him as a man of integrity and dynamism and as a man who succeeded in championing the freedom of speech and expression.

The state has a remarkable political phenomenon not only in the country but throughout the world, Mr Ram stated.

He said Hindu was committed to serious journalism, adding it has ethical values and work for social justice and also plays an educative role.

Tata Steel Managing Director Muthuranman was also present on the occasion as a special guest besides captains of industry.

Mr Bhattacharjee released a book " Call of 21st Century and other Essays ", authored by Mr B S Raghavan.

UNI KDG SJC RD 2005