Theatre personality Prasanna on indefinite fast; demands economic reforms for the rural sector

Theatre director Prasanna has been on an indefinite fast in Bengaluru for almost a week. He has been demanding a removal of tax on products from the ‘Sacred Economy’ or the economy of restraint. All the benefits that the government can give, must be given to this labour-intensive sector.

‘Sacred Economy’ has been described as one which is labour-intensive, and it includes the hand-made products segment. It means a system of production that utilises a minimum of 60% human labour, as also 60% local raw material, and not more than 40% automation, as also not more than 40% imported raw material.

“The system that prevails today is the opposite of the sacred. It is a monster economy, monster both in nature and in size. And it is dying. It is taking the eco system along with it. It is high time that we revived the sacred. Instead, government is using the tax payer’s money to revive the monster. While agriculture is in deep crisis, when weavers and crafts people are leaving their professions, and the poor are leaving villages in hordes, the government is aiding corporations only,” stresses Vinod Vyasulu, chairperson of Gram Seva Sangh.

“The government is systematically pushing a combination of, the priestly class, the monster economy and the political class, as the sacred. They, in essence, are pushing a separatist ideology a caste system and a sexist theology,” added Vyasulu.

Those on the Satyagraha said that they were willing to help the government restructure the tax. “We will cooperate with the state in restructuring of our political economy, only if the state shows true commitment to the cause. Our demand, we believe, shall not only bring in a Just society but also bring in a people friendly and nature friendly society,” said Vyasulu.