Oppn stages walkout over inadequate relief to farmers

Bhopal, Mar 10 (UNI) Opposition Congress today staged a walkout in the Madhya Pradesh Assembly describing relief measures announced by state Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for farmers in view of crop loss due to unseasonal rainfall and hailstorm as inadequate.

Replying to debate under Section 139 over damage to life and property due to unseasonal rainfall and hailstorm, Mr Chouhan announced waiver of 'lagan' for farmers besides postponing collection of agricultural loans and extending short-term loans.

Leader of Opposition Jamuna Devi accused the government of being insensitive to farmers and not taking the crop loss seriously.

Opposition members demanded that electricity bills and irrigation tax of affected farmers be waived.

Asserting that he was aware of the adverse situation created due to the natural calamity, Mr Chouhan said the government will do its best tackle the situation and urged the Opposition to rise above politics and extend its cooperation in the task.

Mr Chouhan said the government has relaxed the Revenue Book Circular (RBC) rules and increased the relief amount from Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for crop loss to 4,000 hectare area, while the relief amount for 25-50 per cent loss has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500.

The relief amount has been increased to Rs 1,250 for unirrigated areas. Besides, the amount for damage to fruits has been raised from Rs 12,000 to Rs 20,000. The amount to be provided for loss to cattle and buildings has also been increased.

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