Why Are Nearly 6.56 Lakh Eligible Farmers Deprived of the 2017 Loan Waiver Benefits in Maharashtra?
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Synopsis
A shocking admission by Maharashtra's government reveals that over 6.56 lakh eligible farmers have yet to receive loan waiver benefits under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana, almost eight years post-launch. As demands for immediate action increase amid recent crop devastation, the urgency for an effective solution grows.
Key Takeaways
- 6.56 lakh farmers are still waiting for loan waiver benefits.
- The scheme requires Rs 5,975.51 crore for implementation.
- Government allocation is only 500 crore, falling short.
- High Court has mandated benefits for all eligible farmers.
- Opposition calls for immediate crop loan waiver.
Nagpur, Dec 11 (NationPress) In a shocking revelation, the Maharashtra government has confirmed that approximately 6.56 lakh farmers, deemed eligible under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana (2017), are still awaiting their loan waiver benefits—nearly eight years after the scheme's initiation.
During an Assembly session, State Cooperation Minister Babasaheb Patil addressed a query posed by Shiv Sena (UBT) legislator Bhaskar Jadhav and others, who questioned whether the government was mocking the farmers.
The Minister elaborated that executing the scheme for these eligible farmers necessitates a significant Rs 5,975.51 crore, yet the state has only allocated 500 crore through supplementary demands.
Furthermore, Minister Patil highlighted that the Bombay High Court had mandated the government to extend the scheme’s benefits to all eligible farmers, but the current funding is grossly inadequate, indicating a failure to comply with the court's directive.
This announcement comes at a critical juncture, as calls for an immediate crop loan waiver have surged following recent heavy rains and floods, which have devastated crops statewide. Farmers’ groups and opposition parties have criticized the government’s Rs 32,000-crore relief package as “grossly insufficient,” emphasizing that the time is ripe for implementing a crop loan waiver.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently stated that the government is committed to launching a crop loan waiver, mentioning that a high-level committee has been established to explore the waiver option and suggest both short- and long-term strategies to alleviate farmers' debts.
He also announced plans for a waiver of crop loans by June 30 this year. However, opposition members during the ongoing winter session accused the MahaYuti government of not addressing the agrarian crisis and the distress faced by farmers.
They asserted that the government is procrastinating on the launch of the crop loan waiver and holds responsibility for the increasing number of farmers' suicides in the state.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing plight of farmers in Maharashtra. The government's admission of 6.56 lakh eligible farmers being deprived of loan waiver benefits raises significant concerns about accountability and responsiveness to agrarian distress. Urgent action is necessary to restore faith in agricultural policies and ensure the welfare of our farmers.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many farmers are still awaiting their loan waiver benefits in Maharashtra?
Approximately 6.56 lakh farmers are still awaiting their loan waiver benefits under the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Shetkari Sanman Yojana.
What is the total amount needed for implementing the scheme for eligible farmers?
The implementation of the loan waiver scheme for these eligible farmers requires around Rs 5,975.51 crore.
What has the Bombay High Court ordered regarding the loan waiver?
The Bombay High Court directed the Maharashtra government to extend the scheme’s benefits to all eligible farmers.
What has been the response of opposition parties to the government's relief package?
Opposition parties have criticized the Rs 32,000-crore relief package as grossly inadequate, calling for an immediate crop loan waiver.
What measures has the Chief Minister proposed regarding the crop loan waiver?
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans for a crop loan waiver to be implemented by June 30 this year.
