IN ONE GO, WELL AHEAD OF TARGETED DATE… Cabinet okays farm loan waiver

The Telangana Cabinet decided to waive crop loans up to Rs 2 lakh per farmer at one go amounting to around Rs 31,000 crore. This applies to loans taken between December 12, 2018, and December 9, 2023. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy addressed the media at the Secretariat after taking the decision. Following through on the commitments outlined in the Farmers’ Declaration at Warangal, the Cabinet under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met to discuss the implementation of a comprehensive farm loan waiver scheme. The CM said that this move should be compared to the BRS government’s policy which waived farm loans amounting to only Rs 28,000 crore. The eligibility cut-off was set as early as December 11, 2018. “My government is committed to the welfare of farmers,” Chief Minister Revanth Reddy said while announcing the waiver of loans taken between December 12, 2018, and December 9, 2023, amounting to Rs 31,000 crore. A GO will be issued regarding guidelines for the crop loan waiver. Addressing concerns surrounding the Rythu Bharosa scheme, discussions have been underway regarding its extension and inclusivity with debates emerging on whether the benefits reached unintended recipients such as those in real estate, having hilly terrains and road infrastructure. In response, the government established a Cabinet Sub Committee, chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka, to ensure the transparent implementation of the Rythu Bharosa scheme. Ministers T. Nageshwara Rao, D. Sridhar Babu and P. Srinivas Reddy will jointly formulate comprehensive report by July 15, which will be presented in the Assembly. “The government will table the report in the Legislative Assembly and implement the Rythu Bharosa scheme transparently after seeking everyone’s suggestions,” Revanth said. Ensuring clarity in communication, Ministers Sridhar Babu and P. Srinivas Reddy have been tasked with disseminating official updates and administrative decisions to the media. Their briefings will serve as the government’s sole official communication on these matters. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy concluded the briefing by assuring the public of the government’s commitment to transparency in waiving farm loans. Detailed modalities and guidelines will be published via a Government Order, providing clarity and direction to stakeholders, the CM said.