Mobilise funds for crop loan waiver: Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy to officials

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A Revanth on Wednesday directed officials to make necessary arrangements to mobilise funds for waiver of `2 lakh crop loans of farmers by August 15, as promised by him to the people during recent LS election campaign.

The state govt requires `32,000 crore for waiving of crop loans of up `2 lakh of farmers in the state. The election promise was made by the Congress in 2023 assembly polls, but the date of implementation was not mentioned in the party’s manifesto. During the LS poll campaign, the CM announced the deadline as August 15. “Come out with a plan of action with proper procedures to implement the crop loan waiver.

If needed, set up a special corporation for the welfare of farmers and mobilisation of funds. Officials should complete the efforts to mobilise funds within the stipulated time. Consult bankers who come forward to give huge funds. Also, study the policies adopted in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other states regarding farmer loan waiver,” the CM told the officials.

The CM held a review meeting with the officials on farmers’ loan waiver scheme and paddy procurement. Revanth enquired with officials about the current financial situation of the state and the details of revenue expenditure incurred regularly.

He directed officials to mobilize funds for loan waiver before LS poll code ends. The counting of votes is on June 4. Revanth directed officials to speed up paddy procurement and ensure that there is no interference from middlemen. Officials were asked to take measures to purchase paddy from farmers, process it through milling and supply fine rice to fair price shops. The CM ordered paddy procurement be done before onset of monsoon.