The Telangana government has announced a loan waiver for farmers, forgiving loans up to Rs 2 lakh. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy made the announcement following a state cabinet meeting on Friday, June 21. The waiver applies to loans taken between December 12, 2018, and December 9, 2023.
"The cabinet has decided to waive loans of Rs 2 lakh taken by farmers over the past five years," stated Chief Minister Reddy. He added that details, including eligibility conditions, will be outlined in an upcoming government order (GO). This waiver will cost the state treasury approximately Rs 31,000 crore.
Reddy criticized the previous BRS government for not fulfilling its loan waiver promise, which had a cut-off date of December 11, 2018. He claimed that the former government did not implement the waiver honestly, causing hardship for farmers. In contrast, Reddy emphasized that his government is delivering on its election promise of a Rs 2 lakh agricultural loan waiver.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the formation of a cabinet sub-committee, led by Deputy Chief Minister M.B. Vikramarka, to finalize the modalities of the 'Raithu Bharosa' farmers' investment support schemes. The sub-committee will consult with political parties and other stakeholders, submitting its report by July 15. The government plans to present this report in the upcoming budget session of the Assembly, incorporating MLAs' opinions into the scheme's final design.
Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi praised the Telangana government's decision, calling it a historic step towards fulfilling the 'Kisan Nyay' resolution. He highlighted that this loan waiver will make more than 40 lakh farmer families debt-free. Gandhi reiterated that wherever Congress is in power, it will prioritize spending India's wealth on its ‘people’ rather than on ‘capitalists’.