Kolhapur: NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar on Monday acknowledged concerns raised by opposition leaders and farm representatives over the state’s recently approved loan waiver scheme, saying the terms and conditions attached to it could prevent many farmers from benefiting.
Pawar Advocates Constructive Dialogue
Speaking in Baramati, Pawar said the issues must be addressed through dialogue with the government rather than rejecting the policy outright at this stage. “There is truth in the claims that the conditions may stop benefits from reaching farmers. When the basis of a government decision is not acceptable, it can be corrected through constructive discussions. My effort will be to speak to the chief minister and seek necessary changes,” Pawar said, adding that taking extreme positions now would not be appropriate.
Scheme Details and Government Response
The scheme is expected to waive loans worth up to Rs 36,000 crore, covering nearly 56 lakh farmers, said state agriculture minister Dattatray Bharne. He assured that concerns regarding the scheme would be raised in the cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday. “The scheme is expected to waive loans worth up to Rs 36,000 crore, covering nearly 56 lakh farmers, more than previous loan waiver schemes,” he said. Bharne added that suitable modifications would be made to ensure wider benefits.
Internal Party Differences Emerge
Not keeping with Pawar’s wait-and-watch stand, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said the government must remove restrictive clauses in the ‘Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana 2026’ by June 12, warning of an indefinite hunger strike in Pandharpur. Rohit’s aunt and Baramati MP Supriya Sule, however, urged restraint, advising that the scheme be allowed to roll out and the beneficiary list be assessed before taking any extreme step. Sharad Pawar said he had only learned about Rohit’s proposed agitation through media reports. “We have not met yet. I will speak to him,” he said.
Eligibility Conditions Under Scrutiny
The controversy largely revolves around eligibility conditions. The state government has capped benefits for farmers who availed the 2019 loan waiver at Rs 50,000. Additionally, to access the full waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh — or a Rs 50,000 incentive for regular loan repayment — farmers must opt for a one-time settlement by clearing any outstanding amount beyond the specified limits.
Rohit alleged that an internal cabinet note suggested the actual financial burden of the scheme would be significantly lower than the Rs 36,000 crore announced, due to these restrictive conditions. He criticised ministers for not raising objections when the proposal was cleared and urged the government to revise the scheme to ensure complete debt relief for farmers.
Shiv Sena Leader Joins Criticism
Echoing similar concerns, Shiv Sena MLC Bacchu Kadu, who had earlier led protests demanding a loan waiver, said the scheme appeared to benefit banks more than farmers. He argued that farmers who had earlier availed the 2019 waiver also suffered during the Covid-19 period and called for a blanket waiver of up to Rs 2 lakh without conditions. “Not even 50% of farmers will benefit if the current conditions remain,” he said.
