Maharashtra Government Delays Rs 36,585 Crore Farm Loan Waiver To July 5
The Maharashtra government missed its June 30 deadline to roll out the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmafi Yojana, a farm loan waiver scheme, and has rescheduled the disbursal to begin on July 5.
Agriculture Minister Dattatray Bharane announced the delay in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, assuring that the funds would reach eligible farmers once administrative approvals are completed. The Rs 36,585 crore scheme is expected to benefit approximately 56 lakh farmers across Maharashtra.
Minister Bharane clarified that the delay occurred because the financial provision for the loan waiver was made through supplementary demands. These demands must first be approved by the state legislature and subsequently receive assent from the Governor. Once the Governor signs off on the demands, the government will begin crediting the loan waiver amounts directly into the bank accounts of eligible farmers starting July 5.
Addressing concerns regarding documentation, Bharane stated that no eligible farmer would be denied benefits for lacking an Agristack Farmer ID. While the ID is generally mandatory for receiving agricultural benefits, the government has relaxed this requirement for the loan waiver scheme to ensure wide coverage.
During the legislative session, several MLAs requested that the government ease additional eligibility criteria for the scheme. In response, Bharane noted that the government is open to modifications. He recalled that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had previously stated that a sub-committee reviewing the scheme would take a positive approach toward these proposed changes.
Bharane rejected criticisms from the Opposition regarding the government's sensitivity to agricultural issues, stating that the administration remains committed to farmer welfare. Additionally, he assured the Legislative Assembly that funding for the Krishi Samruddhi Yojana remains secure, with Rs 2,000 crore already budgeted and an additional Rs 3,000 crore planned through supplementary demands in the upcoming winter session.
