Food, clothing and shelter should be provided to the common man. If more funds are required to fulfil this, the government should make a provision for it. We should improve the condition of those who are living below the poverty line. Our aim is the betterment of the poor. So more funds should be allocated for this purpose. Rural industries should be developed. The employment schemes should not remain on paper alone. Think of the khadi industry. The handloom weavers are committing suicide for lack of any source of livelihood. It is really a tragedy. Something should be done about this. Once, there was a great demand for handloom cloth. But now people are crazy for the imported materials. The center and the state governments should do their best to encourage Khadi industry and, if need be, should not hesitate even to give financial assistance. Subsidies should be given to them and marketing should be done through Janata distribution system. Both Khadi industry and agriculture are important for the rural population. So, if these are encouraged and proper irrigation facilities are provided, the unemployment problem will be solved to a great extent. Sir, government has taken steps to convert 6,000 kms. Of railways lines from meter gauge to broad gauge. This will solve the problem permanently and alongside create more employment opportunities. Such steps are encouraging. More rural development schemes should be introduced and funds should be allocated therefore. Otherwise poverty will increase and the rich will be the beneficiaires. The budget presented by the hon Finance minister no doubt, has laudable objectives. But, unfortunately, the laudable objectives enunciated in the budget speed are not reflected in the finance bill.
