CM’s Initiative: Farmers’ Loan Waiver Orders
On the occasion of Independence Day, CM KCR directed the finance department to provide relief to farmers burdened with debt. He aimed to ease the financial load of rice cultivators by ordering a fresh round of loan waivers. CM KCR’s plan involved settling loans up to Rs.99,999 on behalf of farmers. The finance department took special steps in this regard.
Release of Funds: Over 9 Lakh Farmers Benefit
Following CM KCR’s orders, Chief Secretary Ramakashna Rao was instructed to promptly deposit the funds in banks on behalf of farmers. This action led to the release of a substantial amount, totaling Rs. 5,809.78 crores, benefiting 902,843 farmers on a single day.
Loan Waiver Timeline and Challenges
The CM’s commitment to farmers’ welfare began in 2018, promising complete loan waivers for farmers with crop loans under one lakh by December 11 of that year. Despite encountering challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns, and demonetization, the government has been working to fulfill this promise. Notably, loans under Rs.50,000 (totaling Rs. 1,943 crores for 719,488 farmers) have already been paid to banks. Now, an additional amount of Rs. 5,809.78 crores has been released for loans up to Rs.99,999.
Progress in Loan Waiver Implementation
Over a span of 45 days, the government has made significant strides in implementing the loan waiver. Loans under Rs.41,000 and Rs.43,000 were waived for 62,758 and 31,339 farmers, respectively. The cumulative sum spent on loan waivers, encompassing all farms and all loans, has reached Rs.7,753.43 crores. The government’s proactive approach stands in contrast to previous policies, as it directly supports farmers without relying on central government assistance.
Supporting Farmers Holistically
The government’s support extends beyond loan waivers. It has taken steps to provide insurance coverage to farmers and has borne the premium costs. Compensation amounting to Rs.5,402.55 crore has been offered to the families of 108,051 deceased farmers. Additionally, the ‘Raitu Bandhu’ scheme, benefitting 65 lakh farmers, involves depositing Rs.71,552 crores in 11 installments of Rs.10,000 per acre. Furthermore, the government has extended this assistance to new employees. A sum of Rs.200 crore has been released under Rythu Bandhu, specifically for this season. Additionally, the government is providing free electricity to 27.49 lakh agricultural connections, requiring an expenditure of Rs.96,288 crores over the past nine years. Overall, Rs.32,700 crores have been invested in agricultural infrastructure since the state’s formation.