Agricultural loans of farmers who committed suicide written off

Thiruvananthapuram, May 18 (UNI) In its first Cabinet meeting, the newly-formed Left Democratic Front (LDF) Government in Kerala today decided to write off agricultural loans from cooperative societies, to farmers who committed suicide, due to debt.

Announcing the decision, Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan said the government would hold discussions with other banks to find a permanent solution to the crisis being faced by the farmers.

He said the moratorium on the repayment of agricultural loans would be extended to one more year.

He said the Cabinet also decided to clear the arrears for one year on agricultural, widows and other welfare pensions.

Stating that his government would give title deeds to all the eligible tribal settlers, Mr Achuthanandan said all cases relating to the 'adivasi's' struggle for land, except those of serious nature, would be withdrawn.

He said a minister has been sent to each of the 14 districts to take immediate steps to solve the drinking water crisis in the summer months.

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