In India scholars suggest to review land reforms to protect the poor

(28 April 2007) : The Jesuit-run Bihar Social Institute (BSI) in the northern Indian state of Bihar, organized 7^th Arrupe Memorial Lecture on 25^th April, in which Sociologist and Activist, Dr. Mahendra Narain Karna said, the Government and political parties should review land reforms to protect the poor and develop the state of Bihar.

The Arrupe lecture series is regularly organised by the BSI, a Jesuit centre for research, training, development and action. Bihar is one of the first states in India to introduce land reforms soon after Independence. But its performance vis-à-vis implementing progressive reform laws has been dismal and lamentable, Dr. Karna said. The former professor and Head of the Department of Sociology in the Northeast Hill University at Shillong, said if the enacted reforms such as land tenancy, agricultural credit, cooperation organization, agricultural education and extension services, were not implemented, development of Bihar would not be possible and justice would be a far cry for millions of people of the state.

Patna Jesuit Provincial, Fr Joy Karayampuram who is also an advocate specialised in land reforms said, the theme of this year’s lecture is relevant to the ideals of Pedro Arrupe, the last Superior General of the Society of Jesus whose birth centenary is being celebrated worldwide. There are many loopholes in the reform laws which go against the landless poor and small landholders, he added.