Chhattisgarh: Preparations begin for farm loan waiver promised by Congress

RAIPUR: Even before Congress forms its new government, a letter issued by Chhattisgarh co-operative department is taking rounds on social media addressing to state level bankers' committee, State Bank of India and regional banks to furnish details on loan due on farmers by November 30.
The letter states, “As the Congress has promised in its party manifesto to waiver off farmers’ loan within ten days of coming in power and now that the party has won assembly elections, preparations need to be done for fulfilment of the same.Hence, details are sought from all the banks under your branches about the loans pending in names of farmers. The details should be submitted by November 30.”
Senior officials confirmed about the authenticity stating that it was the first step towards Congress' promise in poll manifesto for farmers' loan waiver within ten days, by gathering of data. Though the final decision would be taken by competent authority in next government but we are preparing information to present it to the government.
When contacted Chhattisgarh chief secretary Ajay Singh he confirmed TOI, “I have inquired for financial implications on various issues which also includes the loan waiver point from different departments. This letter is issued on similar grounds.”
Soon after claiming victory in assembly elections with a sweep, AICC general secretary PL Punia ensured before the media that the Congress will stand by its promise and the first thing they would focus on would be waiver off loan for thousands of farmers within ten days of taking over the government.
It is expected that the amount of total loan to be waived off may cross over Rs 5000 crore due on lakhs of farmers. Bank officials said that there were collecting information of pending loans on farmers and the work has already started.