Maharashtra Farm Loan Waiver Decision Expected Before June 30 Deadline
In a significant development for farmers across Maharashtra, State Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharne has announced that a positive decision on the farm loan waiver is anticipated before the June 30 deadline. Speaking to TOI on Saturday, Bharne revealed that the government's dedicated war room is currently in the last phase of data scrutiny, paving the way for a historic announcement.
Committee Report Crucial for Decision-Making
The government had earlier appointed a committee headed by retired IAS officer and economic adviser Pravin Pardeshi to assess the status of farm loans across the state. This committee was instructed to submit its report before the first week of April, and its findings are deemed critical for shaping the government's final decision on the loan waiver. Bharne emphasized that the report will serve as the foundation for the impending announcement.
War Room Activated to Speed Up Data Examination
With less than six weeks remaining for the committee to submit its report, the government has activated a war room to expedite the examination of vast data collected from across Maharashtra. All banks and financial institutions were directed to provide detailed reports on farm loan status, covering both short- and long-term pending loans. A senior cooperation department official stated, The war room has been set up to scrutinise this information, which will form the basis of the committee's final report.
Agitation and Government Assurance
The push for a farm loan waiver gained significant momentum after former MLA and Prahar Janshakti Party founder Bachchu Kadu led a large-scale agitation in October last year. Following the protests, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met with Kadu and other farmer leaders in Mumbai, assuring them that a decision on the waiver would be announced before June 30 this year. The agitation was subsequently suspended after this assurance, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing farmer concerns.
Historic Decision in the Making
Bharne added, Govt is committed to granting a farm loan waiver, and the decision will be announced before the deadline. The committee is working through certain technical aspects, but the final decision will be historic. This statement underscores the government's resolve to deliver on its promise, with the war room's efforts aimed at ensuring a thorough and accurate assessment of loan data to facilitate a well-informed and impactful decision.
