Farmers' loan waiver at 'appropriate time': Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, Mar 14: Under Opposition attack over agrarian crisis in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today told the Assembly that the loan waiver for farmers will be announced at an "appropriate time".

"We will announce the loan waiver at an appropriate time," Fadnavis said as slogan-shouting NCP and Congress members demanded that the government makes an announcement on providing relief to the crisis-gripped farmers.

Amid noisy scenes, the House had to be adjourned twice. Opposition members also staged walkout from the House twice, voicing disappointment at the relief measures taken by the BJP-led state government for farmers.

Countering the opposition offensive, Fadnavis said since his government came to power in October 2014, assistance worth Rs 18,000 crore has been provided to the farmers.

NCP MLA Jayant Patil, a state former finance minister, questioned the CM's claim, to which Fadnavis said, "Farmers are facing crisis because of your (Congress-NCP) action during the previous 15 years rule."

During a debate on drought crisis, Revenue and Agriculture Minister Eknath Khadse said the government has decided to waive certain checks before disbursing Rs one lakh aid to kin of a farmer who commits suicide.

"Farmers whose agri pump set is non-operational during drought, will get 100 per cent bill waiver," Khadse said, as he took a jibe at the opposition for not doing so during their rule in the state.

The government has decided to give free seeds for next sowing season in drought-affected villages, Khadse said, citing adequate financial support to Maharashtra from the Centre.

PTI