Cow vigilantism is alright, economic policies need rethinking: RSS Chief Bhagwat

Observing that farmers were in “pain”, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Saturday that steps taken by governments such as loan waiver were temporary measures and not a solution to the problem.

The RSS chief also asserted that while reforming and cleaning the economic systems, some tremors and instability were expected but the “informal economy” should feel the minimum heat and should get the maximum strength.

Bhagwat, while speaking at the annual Dussehra event of the RSS in Nagpur, said that the Niti Aayog and the economic advisers of the states will have to come out of the “same old economic ‘isms’” and integrate up-to-date economic experiences with the country's ground reality.

Highlighting the plight of the farmers, Bhagwat said, “Our farmer, who feeds not just his family but the entire nation, is in pain today. He is depressed after facing the onslaught of floods and droughts, export-import policy, meagre pricing, mounting loans and losing everything once the crop is ruined.”

Bhagwat stressed that new technology should be adopted and traditional, non-polluting methods should be amalgamated for farmers. Organic farming, mixed farming and farming with cow-based animal husbandry should become a new trend, he said.

Bhagwat also stressed on the need to strengthen the “informal economy”. On the issue of formulation of economic policies, Bhagwat said views of all the stakeholders should be taken into consideration.

He called for a policy that will address the needs of industry, trade, agriculture and safeguard the interests of big, medium, small industries, small retailers, farmers and landless labours.

“However, it is also universally being recognised that all these policies and standards need a rethinking and nation specific unique models of development should evolve,” Bhagwat added.

He also noted that despite being faulty, the parameter of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is still used to measure the health and progress of the economy.

Speaking on the problem of illegal migration he emphasised that Rohingyas “are being driven out of Myanmar mainly due to their continuous violent and criminal separatist activities and linkages with the terrorist groups. Any decision regarding them should be taken by keeping in mind that they will definitely be a threat to national security and integrity.”

The RSS chief also expressed his concern over the “entire activity of Cow protection with violent incidences or communal feelings without knowing or neglecting the facts.”

Adding that cow protection is alright, he said, “ cow-protectors and promoters who are piously involved in the activity should not worry or get distracted with the well intentioned statements by highly placed persons in the Government or remarks made by the Supreme Court.”

With inputs from PTI