NewKerala.com

Kerala Cabinet Approves ₹18.75 Crore Loan Takeover for Wayanad Landslide Victims

The Pinarayi Vijayan cabinet has approved the takeover and settlement of outstanding loans worth over ₹18.75 crore for victims of the July 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide in Wayanad. Revenue Minister K. Rajan stated the government will assume full liability for the 1,620 loans held by 555 beneficiaries, using the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The decision comes amid criticism of the Central Government for refusing to waive the loans, which the state alleges is an "inhumane approach" and political vendetta. This intervention aims to provide immediate financial relief to survivors of the disaster that claimed over 200 lives and devastated four villages.

Key Points: Kerala Takes Over ₹18.75 Crore Loans for Wayanad Landslide Survivors

  • ₹18.75 crore loan relief approved
  • Covers 1,620 loans for 555 beneficiaries
  • Funds from CM's Distress Relief Fund
  • Criticises Centre's "inhumane approach"
  • Relief ahead of Assembly elections
2 min read

Ahead of polls, CM Vijayan cabinet approves Rs 18.75 crore loan takeover of Wayanad landslide victims

Ahead of polls, Pinarayi Vijayan's cabinet approves relief measure to settle loans for 555 victims of the 2024 Wayanad landslide disaster.

"The decision was not a mere write-off but a complete takeover of the debt burden by the State. - K. Rajan"

Thiruvananthapuram Ja, n 29

With the Assembly elections drawing closer, the Pinarayi Vijayan Cabinet on Wednesday approved a major relief measure for survivors of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster in Wayanad, deciding to take over and settle the outstanding loans of those officially identified as disaster victims.

Loans amounting to over Rs 18.75 crore will be cleared, covering 1,620 loans taken by 555 beneficiaries.

Revenue Minister K. Rajan said the government would assume full responsibility for the liabilities, with the required funds being met from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).

He stressed that the decision was not a mere write-off but a complete takeover of the debt burden by the State.

As part of the decision, the government will reimburse Rs 93 lakh to Kerala Bank, which had already written off loans of affected borrowers.

All loans of those formally declared disaster-affected will be settled in full, the Minister said.

The Cabinet decision comes against the backdrop of the July 30, 2024, disaster, which devastated four villages in Wayanad, injured hundreds, claimed over 200 lives, and left 32 people still missing.

The tragedy triggered widespread demands for comprehensive relief, including loan waivers for survivors who lost homes, livelihoods and family members.

Minister Rajan criticised the Central Government's stance, alleging an "inhumane approach" towards the victims.

He said the Centre's refusal to waive loans amounted to a political vendetta, but expressed hope that procedural hurdles could be overcome and the relief process completed before the elections.

The issue had earlier drawn sharp observations from the Kerala High Court, which had taken up the matter suo motu and expressed strong disappointment with the Centre for declining to extend loan waiver relief to the affected population.

The court had underlined the extraordinary nature of the disaster and the need for a humanitarian response.

The government's move is being seen as a significant political and administrative intervention at a time when disaster rehabilitation remains a key public concern in the hill district.

By absorbing the debt burden, the State aims to provide immediate financial relief and enable survivors to rebuild their lives after one of Kerala's deadliest natural calamities in recent years.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
While the relief is necessary, the timing is suspect. Elections are around the corner and suddenly this big decision? The government should have acted with this urgency months ago, not when they need votes. The victims needed help, not to be used as political pawns.
S
Sunil U
Good step. But what about long-term rehabilitation? Clearing loans gives breathing room, but these families need support to restart their livelihoods—farming, small businesses. Hope the plan doesn't end with this announcement. The CMDRF money must be used wisely.
M
Michael C
As someone who has visited Wayanad, the scale of that landslide was heartbreaking. Over 200 lives lost is a national tragedy. The state government is right to step in where the central government has failed. Humanitarian aid should never be conditional or delayed by bureaucracy.
A
Anjali F
Finally some good news for those poor families! They have been through so much trauma. The High Court's observation was correct—this needed a humanitarian response. I just hope the process is smooth and the money reaches the beneficiaries without any "procedural hurdles" as the minister said.
K
Karthik V
The blame game between state and centre helps no one. Yes, the state is doing its part now, but where was the disaster preparedness? These landslides are becoming frequent. We need a permanent solution—better early warning systems, controlled development in hills—not just relief after tragedy.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50