Role of Sir Chhotu Ram for the Upliftment of Farmers

Abstract

India is known as a land of farmers and rural people. The condition of farmers in colonial period however, was not as good as it is in the present times. They were exploited and remained in heavy indebtedness. Sir Chhotu Ram devoted his entire life for the uplifting the poor standards of living of the farmer community, whose condition was significantly miserable during those times due to colonial government policy. Raj always focused on their economic interests and avoiding the problems that emerged due to these policies.  He started School on 26th March, 1913 in Rohtak. He joined National Congress in 1916 and worked as President of Rohtak District Congress Committee from 1916 to 1920. He formed the Unionist Party in 1923 which won elections in 1935 forming provincial government in Lahore and he in turn became the Revenue Minister. He also introduced Punjab Relief Indebtedness Act in 1934 and Punjab Debtor's Protection Act in 1936 to save the farmers from exploitation at the hands of money lenders. Sir Chhotu Ram had seen the miserable conditions of farmers while growing up. In this research paper we are going to discuss the role played by Sir Chhotu Ram in uplifting the living standards of Farmers.

Keywords: Farmer, Emerging Democracy, Unionist Party, Exploitation and Debtor's Protection Act