Mumbai/Nagpur, Oct 29 (NationPress) Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Wednesday that the Maharashtra government is actively contemplating a waiver on farm loans and has not ruled out the possibility of loan write-offs.

His comments came in response to the requests made by Bachchu Kadu, the head of Prahar Janshakti Sanghatana and a former minister, during ongoing protests advocating for a farm loan waiver.

Kadu, supported by various agricultural organizations, is currently staging a protest along the Nagpur-Hyderabad highway, while also obstructing other highways, main roads, and railways.

CM Fadnavis addressed the media, saying, "We are considering the loan waiver for farmers. We have never declared that we will not waive loans. A decision will be made at the appropriate time. The government's priority is to ensure that financial aid reaches the bank accounts of farmers affected by rain and floods, and we have initiated that process."

He urged protesters to refrain from actions that might inconvenience the general public.

"Protesters should avoid actions that disrupt the lives of ordinary citizens. Some inexperienced individuals and negative elements may join such protests. While there are indeed sincere protesters and farmers involved, others may seek to escalate tensions. Therefore, caution is essential," he cautioned.

CM Fadnavis further emphasized, "We will not permit actions like rail blockades, road blockades, or chakkajam. The government is committed to addressing farmers' issues. We are fully supportive of their concerns. A package of Rs 32,000 crore has been announced for farmers affected by rain and floods, with funds being directly transferred to their bank accounts. My only request to the protesters is to pursue solutions through dialogue."

The chief minister reiterated the government's commitment to assist farmers.

"The government has established a committee to tackle farmers' challenges. We recognize the urgent need to assist farmers who have suffered significant losses due to adverse weather conditions, leading to the destruction of their crops. Our priority is to support the farmers first, rather than banks," he elaborated.

"When loans are waived, funds go to banks, not directly to farmers. This process can delay the financial relief for farmers. Currently, we are ensuring that money reaches farmers' bank accounts directly," he clarified.

Meanwhile, Kadu in Nagpur urged the government to promptly announce a farm loan waiver instead of engaging in discussions. He has put forth eight demands in his memorandum to the state government and during a phone conversation with Girish Mahajan, the state Disaster Management Minister.

"The government should declare a comprehensive loan waiver for farmers, provide a 20 percent subsidy on the minimum support price (MSP) for agricultural products, and offer a subsidy of Rs 5 lakh to rural households using the same criteria as urban areas. All expenses from sowing to harvesting should be covered under the Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, and the Rs 86,000 crore Nagpur-Goa Shaktipeeth highway project should be cancelled," Kadu asserted.

He also called for a monthly honorarium of Rs 6,000 for the disabled, destitute, widows, sisters, and orphans, urging the formulation of specific policies for shepherds and fishermen to address their unique challenges, as well as a permanent resolution to the salary issues of Gram Panchayat employees.