Pimpri: The State government’s rush to deposit money in farmers’ accounts before Diwali has failed to woo farmers. Claiming that the government has not kept its word on granting relief to those repaying loans regularly, farmers’ leaders of Kisan Kranti Morcha expressed unhappiness about the loan waiver scheme.
According to members, a meeting of key leaders of Kisan Kranti Morcha is scheduled for October 23 in Pune, where the future course of action will be decided.
Jayajirao Suryavanshi, State co-coordinator of Kisan Kranti Janandolan, stated in a press statement, “The government is trying to take credit for the loan waiver. In fact, it is an achievement of the Kisan Kranti agitation. As a result of the agitation, which was launched in the State in June this year, the loan waiver was announced. However, we do not agree with the manner in which the loan waiver is being given to farmers.”
The government had agreed for a blanket loan waiver to farmers with land holding of seven acres or lesser. The decision of providing financial aid to farmers who are regularly repaying loan installments was announced. However, the current loan waiver scheme does not take into account farmers regularly repaying loan installments.
Suryananshi added that the agitation was withdrawn only after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ assurance that a special package will be given to farmers having land holdings bigger than seven acres. “Since the government has not kept its promise, we are considering the option of starting an agitation again, as farmers feel that this is nothing but betrayal,” he added.
Notably, a meeting of Kisan Kranti Andolan leaders took place on October 15 in Sangamner. It was decided that another meeting of the leaders will be scheduled in Pune on October 23 to decide the future course of action.
