Maharashtra's Current Financial State Makes Farm Loan Waiver Unfeasible: Deputy CM Ajit Pawar
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Synopsis
Maharashtra's Deputy CM Ajit Pawar announced that due to the state's financial constraints, a waiver for farmers' crop loans is not feasible at this time. Farmers had anticipated relief following promises made during the elections.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra's financial condition prohibits crop loan waivers.
- Farmers expected relief based on election promises.
- Opposition criticizes the government for unmet promises.
- Financial discipline emphasized in budget presentation.
- Contrast in government employee salary increases vs. farmer aid.
Baramati, March 28 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar announced on Friday that a waiver for farmers' crop loans is currently unfeasible due to the state's financial circumstances.
The Maharashtra government will evaluate its finances before making any future decisions, he stated.
Dy CM Ajit Pawar’s remarks are disappointing for Maharashtra farmers, who were hopeful for a crop loan waiver as promised by the MahaYuti alliance during the recent Assembly elections.
“Certain things occurred during the Assembly elections. It is essential to maintain financial discipline. I presented the Maharashtra budget reflecting this reality. While the Opposition criticized the budget, I approached it with a realistic perspective.
“Some individuals made promises regarding loan waivers prior to the elections. Yet, given the current financial state, announcing a crop loan waiver is not feasible. There will be no crop loan waiver this year or the next. Due to the government’s fiscal situation, we cannot announce it,” stated Ajit Pawar at the farmers’ rally.
Opposition parties voiced strong criticism during the recently concluded Budget Session, condemning the MahaYuti government for not fulfilling the crop loan waiver promise made during the Assembly elections.
NCP(SP) legislator and former finance minister Jayant Patil accused the MahaYuti government of breaking its electoral promise regarding the crop loan waiver, highlighting the deteriorating state of Maharashtra’s economy amidst increasing revenue and fiscal deficits.
Congress legislator Vijay Wadettiwar also criticized the Maharashtra government, noting that farmers are in dire need of the crop loan waiver as they struggle with the disparity between rising production costs and declining market prices for agricultural products.
Interestingly, senior BJP legislator and former minister Sudhir Mungantiwar questioned the MahaYuti government’s failure to announce a farm loan waiver in the state budget.
He pointed out that the required amount for the farm loan waiver, Rs 20,000 crore, is less than the total increase in salaries and pensions for government employees in one year.
“We allocated Rs 1,42,718 crore for employee salaries in 2023-24, which increased by Rs 16,316 crore in 2024-25, alongside Rs 13,565 crore for pensions. In total, we provided an increase of Rs 29,881 crore for salaries and pensions in one year. Meanwhile, we refrain from offering farm loan waivers due to a lack of funds in the treasury. This is unjust,” Mungantiwar expressed.
