Opposition highlights ‘flaws’ in loan waiver

Mumbai: In a scathing attack on the state government over farm loan waiver scheme, the opposition parties in the council on Tuesday dubbed it an attempt to cheat the farmers in the state. “Flaws in the scheme are so obvious that it raises questions over intentions of government,” alleged opposition leader Dhananjay Munde on the floor of the house.

However, the Shiv Sena, which has been criticised the implementation of the scheme, praised the state government. The government will give its reply today.

On Tuesday, a stormy session was witnessed in both the houses of the state legislature. In council, Mr Munde raised questions over various issues. “There is a lot of confusion in the government. Who exactly is going to get the benefit of the farm loan waiver? Farmers are told to fill the form. But that form is contradictory. The government says that farmers will be booked for filling any wrong information. Isn’t it atrocious and stringent?,” asked Mr Munde.  

The state government was also under fire for advertisements over the farm loan waiver. Mr Munde said, “Not a single farmer has benefited from the loan waiver till date. But the government has spent Rs 36 lakh on advertisements. Let the government clarify what are its priorities?,” asked Mr Munde.

The Shiv Sena praised the state government for the decision. Sena MLC Anil Parab called it a historic decision. “Everyone should congratulate the state government for the decision. This shows that our government is sensitive towards farmers,” said Mr Parab. Sena leader also said that his party would monitor the implementation of the scheme. Earlier, Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had criticised the government over various “flaws in loan waiver”.

Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Sujeetsingh Thakur had sought a debate over farm loan waiver. “Rs 34,000 crore loan waiver is huge and inclusive. We were accused of implementing anti-farmers policies. But this loan waiver exposed opposition’s agenda,” claimed Mr Thakur.