Nagpur, March 7 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis clarified on Saturday the details of the newly introduced Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Farmer Loan Waiver Scheme during the Maharashtra Budget, aiming to eliminate misunderstandings about the beneficiaries of the scheme.

Addressing the media in Nagpur, the Chief Minister highlighted that the core aim of the government is to offer direct support to farmers rather than banks. In response to circulating rumors suggesting that only borrowers from nationalized banks would benefit, he assured that the waiver extends to all qualifying crop loans, irrespective of the lending institution.

Amid concerns from farmers regarding the exclusion of District Central Co-operative (DCC) banks and credit societies, CM Fadnavis labeled these assertions as falsehoods propagated by certain groups.

“I have announced the loan waiver, and there should be no confusion surrounding it. Some individuals are misleading others by claiming that only nationalized banks are included or that district banks and societies are overlooked. We will forgive crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh from any bank authorized to issue agricultural credit,” he stated.

The Chief Minister revealed that farmers with overdue crop loans as of September 30, 2025, can qualify for a complete waiver up to Rs 2 lakh. Additionally, to honor “trustworthy” borrowers, farmers who have consistently repaid their loans on time will be eligible for an incentive grant of Rs 50,000.

CM Fadnavis also addressed opposition critiques, accusing certain factions of spreading false information to incite fear.

“Our focus is on ensuring that the benefits reach the farmers. This loan waiver will be more effective than any previous schemes enacted in the state,” he affirmed.

He noted that the government is dedicated to finalizing the loan waiver process by June 30, 2026.

“A committee is currently drafting the operational specifics and final protocols to guarantee a seamless launch. Based on the committee’s suggestions, the government aims to implement long-term structural reforms to maintain a strong banking system while keeping farmers free of debt,” he added.

In addition to the loan waiver, CM Fadnavis showcased the Wainganga–Nalganga River Linking Project referenced in the budget, calling it the largest river-linking initiative in history—a “game-changer” for the agricultural landscape of the Vidarbha region.

Amid the rising tensions due to the Iran–US–Israel conflict affecting India’s fuel imports, CM Fadnavis reassured that the Central government is taking proactive steps to avert a gas shortage. He urged the media to exercise caution and refrain from creating an atmosphere of fear, asserting that sensationalism undermines national and public interests.

CM Fadnavis reaffirmed that the Centre is addressing the gas availability issue with utmost seriousness. While acknowledging that the Middle East conflict has impacted imports, he assured citizens that there’s no immediate cause for alarm concerning domestic supplies.

“Public sector oil companies have been instructed to enhance domestic LPG production to ensure that household supplies are uninterrupted. Although a minor shortage in commercial gas cylinders may occur in certain regions, the nation currently possesses ample reserves. The government is enacting precautionary measures to stay ahead of any potential crisis, even as rumors of shortages circulate,” he concluded.