Kerala mulls campaign for National Debt Relief Commission

Bangalore, Feb 18: Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said his government was planning to launch a campaign to persuade the Centre to form a National Debt Relief Commission (NDRC) for farmers in the country.

Addressing a public meeting here yesterday, organised as part of golden jubilee celebrations of the first Communist government in Kerala, he said his government came to power in the state at a time when debt-ridden farmers were committing suicide. The government had waived the outstanding loan amount taken by the farmers, who committed suicide. It also provided a relief of Rs 50,000 to the bereaved families, he said.

''The LDF government will go ahead with more people-oriented programmes. The government is committed to provide land for the landless in the coming years,'' he said.

Mr Achuthanandan said his government had taken steps to bring in reforms in the education sector, to ensure merit and social justice.

UNI