Bengaluru: “There is no question of retreating on farm loan waiver and the pre-poll promises will be fulfilled”, assured Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy addressing farmers at Vidhana Soudha on May 30.
CM gave the assurance during interaction with farmer representatives from 30 districts across the state and said, “The new government needs some time to settle down and asked the farmers to remain patient for 15 days on farm loan waiver.”
“The state budget is of Rs 2 Lakh Crore and the government has to allocate funds for irrigation, education and social welfare sectors apart from farm loan waiver”, said HDK in an attempt to get more time to settle the boiling issue.
There is no question of going back on promises made before polls and discussions are underway with DCM G Parmeshwara in this regard, HDK clarified.
CM parried apprehensions in certain sections of the society about urban budgetary allocation being diverted for farm loan waiver and said, “The state finances will remain secure even after farm loan waiver.”
The government needs to decide on certain criteria for waiving of farm loans taken before December 31, 2017 , CM said.
The government has sought reports on 10 farmer deaths after it took over, HDK said and the government will be people and farmer friendly with the intent of waiving farm loans in a phased manner.
Government’s flagship scheme Yashaswini to continue
Meanwhile, the government’s flagship scheme Yashaswini will continue beyond May 31 , HDK asserted.
Based on the outcome of discussion with the state chief secretary, the government decided to continue the scheme beyond the deadline, he clarified.
Use of special aircraft and stay in 5-star hotels will be curbed to reduce the state expenditure, HDK said.
Apart from Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara, BJP Legislator Govind Karjol, Chief Secretary Ratna Prabha, representatives of farmers’ organisations, several legislators and government officials were present during the meeting.
