The Maharashtra Government on Friday told the Legislative Assembly that it was committed to cover all the farmers in the State under its loan waiver scheme, saying its implementation took a backseat due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Replying to a discussion on the issue during the Question Hour, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that ₹31.81 lakh farmers are eligible to get the benefit of the State Government's Mahatma Jyotiba Phule farm loan waiver scheme
"So far, ₹20,290 crore have been disbursed. Eligible farmers, who are yet to get the benefit of loan waiver will be provided the benefit of the scheme by making a provision of funds through supplementary demands in this Session and later during the Budget Session," the Finance Minister said.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) Government had promised a complete loan waiver of up to ₹2 lakh after it came to power. If farmers with loan of more than ₹2 lakh repay the additional amount, they will get waiver of ₹2 lakh. While those who regularly repay their dues, ex-gratia of ₹50,000 will be provided, he said.
"The Government is committed to fulfilling the assurance. The economic situation is not good due to COVID-19 lockdown as taxes more than ₹1 lakh crore did not come to the state treasury," Mr. Pawar added.
