Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 13: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday said that more than 40 lakh farmers across the state would benefit from the government's ‘Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Shetkari Karjmukti Yojana’ without any stringent conditions.
Addressing a press conference, Fadnavis said the requirement for farmers to repay loans before availing the waiver had been introduced only to ensure the smooth functioning and financial stability of district cooperative banks and the wider banking system.
He explained that the government had decided to extend benefits up to a specified limit to farmers who had received repeated loan waivers in the past, with the objective of safeguarding district cooperative banks. To address difficulties in implementing the scheme, a sub-committee headed by him has been constituted.
“We have not imposed any restrictive terms or conditions while implementing the loan waiver. Our focus has been on empowering farmers and ensuring they become financially stronger,” Fadnavis said.
The chief minister was speaking on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing more than 4,398 days in office, making him the longest-serving elected Prime Minister in India's history. Fadnavis said the Modi-led government had accelerated the country's development over the past 12 years and brought significant economic, social and cultural transformation while enhancing India's global stature.
State, district task forces for El Nino threat
Fadnavis also announced the formation of special task forces at the state and district levels to deal with the possible impact of El Nino, which is expected to bring below-normal rainfall this year.
He said the task forces would focus on effective drought-management measures, water conservation and planned utilisation of available water resources to minimise the impact of a potential rainfall deficit.
CM arranges bullock for farmer after viral video
Referring to a recent incident in Latur district, Fadnavis said farmer Kashinath Gaikwad of Bombli village in Devni taluk lost a bullock after it was struck by lightning during a storm.
Following the incident, Gaikwad's wife took the yoke on her shoulders and attempted to continue farm work herself. A video of the incident went viral on social media, prompting the chief minister to intervene and arrange a replacement bullock through the district administration.
However, the animal reportedly became unwell and sat down during ploughing operations within two days. Veterinary examination confirmed that the bullock was ill.
“I have instructed the Latur district collector to provide the farmer with a suitable and healthy bullock,” Fadnavis said.
India now capable of repaying 94% of foreign debt in a day
Highlighting India's economic progress, Fadnavis said the country was once heavily dependent on foreign debt and was considered among the world's weaker economies.
He recalled that institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund had once warned that India could fall into a debt trap if corrective measures were not taken. According to him, the country then lacked sufficient foreign exchange reserves even to meet debt repayment obligations.
“Today, India has enough foreign exchange reserves to repay 94 per cent of its foreign debt in a single day if required. The country also possesses reserves sufficient to finance 11 months of imports,” he said.
Fadnavis further claimed that during the tenure of the previous UPA government, India's foreign exchange reserves were insufficient even to cover a month's worth of imports, underscoring what he described as the country's improved economic strength under the current administration.