NewKerala.com

Maharashtra's Shocking Loan Waiver Delay: 6.56 Lakh Farmers Still Wait After 8 Years

The Maharashtra government has admitted a massive delay in delivering promised aid. Nearly 6.56 lakh farmers, found eligible for a 2017 loan waiver scheme, are still waiting for benefits eight years later. This comes despite a Bombay High Court order directing the government to extend the scheme to all eligible beneficiaries. The revelation has intensified criticism from farmers' groups and opposition parties, especially following recent crop losses from heavy rains.

Key Points: 6.56 Lakh Maharashtra Farmers Await 2017 Loan Waiver Benefits

  • Over 6.5 lakh farmers still await benefits from the 2017 Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana
  • State allocated only Rs 500 crore against a required Rs 5,975 crore for implementation
  • Bombay High Court had directed the government to extend benefits to all eligible farmers
  • The delay comes amid intensified demands for a fresh crop loan waiver after recent floods
2 min read

Nearly 6.56 lakh eligible farmers still deprived of 2017 loan waiver benefits in Maharashtra

Nearly 6.56 lakh eligible farmers in Maharashtra still haven't received 2017 loan waiver benefits, requiring Rs 5,975 crore as state allocates only Rs 500 crore.

"The implementation of the scheme for these eligible farmers requires a substantial Rs 5,975.51 crore - State Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil"

Nagpur, Dec 11

In a startling disclosure, the Maharashtra government has admitted that as many as 6.56 lakh farmers, found eligible under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana (2017), are yet to receive their loan waiver benefits -- almost eight years after the scheme was announced.

State Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil informed the Assembly on Thursday in a written reply to a question raised by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav and others who asked about whether the government is making a mockery of the farmers.

The Minister further said that the implementation of the scheme for these eligible farmers requires a substantial Rs 5,975.51 crore, but the state government has allocated only 500 crore through supplementary demands.

Minister Patil also noted that the Bombay High Court had directed the government to extend the scheme’s benefits to all eligible farmers, but the current allocation falls far short of what is required, indicating continued non-compliance with the court’s order.

The revelation comes at a time when demands for an immediate crop loan waiver have intensified following recent heavy rains and floods, which have caused severe crop losses across the state. Farmers’ organisations and the opposition have also criticised the government’s Rs 32,000-crore relief package, terming it “grossly inadequate” and, so, they said the time is opportune for the implementation of crop loan waiver.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had recently said that the government is not shying away from the launch of crop loan waiver, saying that a high-level committee has been formed to examine the crop loan waiver option and also to recommend short and long-term measures to make the farmers debt-free.

He had also announced that the government will provide a waiver of crop loans by June 30 this year. However, opposition parties during the ongoing winter session alleged that the MahaYuti government is not serious about addressing the agrarian crisis and farmers' distress.

They also claimed that the government is dillydallying over the launch of the crop loan waiver and blamed the government for the rising farmers' suicides in the state.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone working in rural development, this is a classic case of administrative failure. Allocating 500 crore against a need of nearly 6000 crore is just optics. The High Court order must be respected and funds released immediately.
A
Aditya G
Eight years! Kaay mahiti? (What to say?). First floods destroy crops, then the government destroys hope. How many more committees will they form? Action is needed, not more announcements. #JusticeForFarmers
P
Priyanka N
While I support the government's intent, the implementation is deeply flawed. This isn't about politics; it's about human lives. A respectful criticism: please streamline the process and clear the backlog. Our annadata cannot wait any longer.
M
Michael C
The math doesn't add up. 500 crore allocated vs 6000 crore required? That's less than 10%. This seems like a deliberate attempt to delay justice. The court should take strict action for non-compliance.
N
Nisha Z
It's always the same story. Big promises during election season, and then years of waiting. My heart goes out to all those families. When will we learn to value the people who feed the nation?

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

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50