A high-level committee in Maharashtra is actively gathering data to identify farmers with genuine debt burdens, paving the way for a targeted loan waiver scheme promised by the state government. The initiative, announced after October's farmer agitation, aims to provide both immediate and long-term solutions to agricultural distress.
Pardeshi Committee Scrutinizes Farmer Debt Details
State Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil provided an update on Thursday, revealing that the panel led by Praveen Pardeshi, who serves as MITRA CEO and chief advisor to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is meticulously collecting information. The focus is on determining which farmers are authentically in need of loan relief. Minister Patil made these remarks in Karad during a homage ceremony at the Chavan Preeti Sangam memorial for Maharashtra's first Chief Minister, Yashwantrao Chavan.
The minister clarified the government's position, stating, "CM has assured loan waiver on the floor of the House. No one else can speak on this issue. June 30 is the deadline for sanctioning loan waiver." He emphasized that the Pardeshi committee is currently fetching details to distinguish genuine loan defaulters, which will ultimately reveal the financial burden the state government must shoulder.
Timeline and Financial Implications
The committee, formed in the wake of the October farmers' stir, has a clear mandate. It has been asked to submit its comprehensive report by April next year. Following this, the state government plans to announce the concrete loan waiver scheme by June 30. This timeline aligns with recent statements from Deputy CM and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar, who indicated that allocations for waiving crop loans would be made in the upcoming state budget.
A significant portion of the distressed debt comes from cooperative banks, which many farmers have been unable to repay. Farmer organizations are pushing for a comprehensive waiver that covers not just short-term crop loans but also long-term capital loans.
Sugar Mills Face Strict Action Over Unpaid Dues
In a related crackdown on issues affecting farmer income, Minister Patil announced strict measures against sugar mills. Mills that have failed to pay the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane supplied by farmers are facing consequences. "The recovery notices have been issued, no license to such mills have been issued," Patil stated, confirming that these mills have been denied crushing licenses for the current season.
The minister issued a stern warning, adding that if complaints surface about such mills operating without a valid license and despite recovery notices, strict action will be taken against them. This move is intended to ensure that farmers receive their legally mandated payments for their produce.
The state government's dual approach—addressing historical debt through the waiver committee and enforcing current payment norms for sugarcane—highlights its focus on alleviating the financial pressure on the agricultural community. The success of these measures hinges on the accurate identification of beneficiaries and strict enforcement of rules against defaulting mills.
