Chhattisgarh to waive off weavers loans

Raipur, Nov 22 (UNI) The Chhattisgarh Government will waive off the dues of loans availed by weavers from cooperative banks in the state, Finance Minister Amar Agrawal announced in the Assembly today.

Replying to a brief debate on the second supplementary demands of Rs 952.44 crore and the related appropriation bill, he said the scheme would benefit about 40,000 weavers and a sum of Rs 15 crore had been earmarked for the purpose.

He said the decision to waive off such loans was taken as these weavers were finding it difficult to avail of the benefit of central schemes due to their outstanding loan with cooperative banks.

Pointing out that a provision of Rs 50 crore had been made in the supplementary demands, Mr Agrawal said it would be utilised for laying transmission lines for uninterrupted power supply to rural areas and domestic consumers.

Similarly, a provision of Rs eight crore had been made for providing grant to farmers for drip irrigation.

Opposition Congress members did not participate in the discussion on the supplementary demands as they walked out of the House alleging the state government had been unable to spend the funds received from the Centre for various schemes.

After the Finance Minister's reply, the House passed by a voice vote the second supplementary demands and the related appropriation bill.

UNI JJ LS GC1734