Economic reforms shsould be analysed: Joshi

Indore, Feb 17 (UNI) Stressing on the need to analyse the effects of economic reforms initiated two decades back, BJP leader and former Human Resource Development Minister Murali Manohar Joshi has demanded to ensure decent wages for the unorganised sector's labourers.

''Time is ripe to review whether the economic reforms have benefitted the country,'' Dr Joshi told reporters here today, adding that since the implementation of the reforms condition of farmers and agriculture deteriorated as peasants became indebted.

Pointing out that agriculture production has been declining, he said that foodgrain preservation was an important aspect related to national security.

Quoting the Arjun Sengupta Committee he said 78 per cent people in the country were economically deprived. The report said that the daily per head income of 15 crore people in the country was merely Rs 9.

''The claims made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on agriculture and economic development are hollow and steps taken are being taken in American farmers' interests,'' Dr Joshi added.

UNI AA-KV 1803