Kumaraswamy firm on waiver of farm loans

Mandya, Karnataka, Jan 23 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today reiterated that his Government was committed to the waiver of farm loans in the State and there was no question of going back on his decision in the wake of widespread criticism.

Inaugurating various development works in the district, he said there was no difference of opinion between himself and Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on the issue. Necessary budgetary allocations would be made in the coming budget, he added.

Taking a dig at the Opposition Congress, he said successive Governments have been providing various benefits to big industries in the Information Technology and Biotechnology sectors, but when the Government attempted to help the farmers, the Congress was criticising him.

Mr Kumaraswamy said the Government would accord priority to provide scientific prices to farm produces and a special programme would be chalked out in the coming budget. The Government was contemplating to frame necessary policy to export horitcultural produces from the State.

He said the Government proposed to provide own building to all Stree Shakthi groups in the State, besides providing loans at four per cent interest rate to women.

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated a Rs 90 crore co-generation plant at Mandya Sugar Factory to generate 19 MW of power every day.

He also inaugurated the recently-renovated Veerabhadraswamy temple at Honnemadu in the district and offered special pooja.

UNI