Maharashtra Govt Promises Timely Farm Loan Waiver: Ajit Pawar

Pune, Aug 25 (PTI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar reaffirmed that the Mahayuti government upholds its commitment to granting a loan waiver for farmers, emphasizing that the initiative will be rolled out at an appropriate time.

The Opposition Congress has criticized the ruling alliance, accusing it of delaying the farm loan waiver and disregarding the difficulties faced by the state's cultivators.

In an interaction with reporters on Sunday, Pawar stated, "We have not deviated from our promise of a farm loan waiver. We are steadfast in following through on the assurances made in the Mahayuti manifesto. A committee has been established, as such decisions demand careful evaluation of financial factors." He underscored the government's unwavering support for farmers.

Pawar assured, "We have never indicated that the waiver will not be provided. At the appropriate time, the committee will present the details." He also shed light on the government's ongoing initiatives for farmers, noting that both the Centre and state offer Rs 12,500 annually per farmer, and Rs 20,000 crore has been allocated to the power utility to cover farmers' electricity bills.

He further mentioned, "In addition, we provide Rs 1,500 to women under the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin scheme. We also offer interest-free loans to farmers to prevent them from resorting to private moneylenders."

Earlier this month, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule indicated that rather than a broad waiver, the focus is on providing relief to impoverished farmers with barren fields, those burdened with loans, and on the brink of despair.

During the monsoon session of the state assembly, the government announced the formation of a committee to assess the feasibility and implementation of a loan waiver.

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