Daijiworld Media Network - Pandharpur
Pandharpur, Jun 15: NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Sunday night ended his indefinite hunger strike after Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan assured him that the state government would convene a meeting before Jun 22 to discuss farmers' concerns regarding the controversial farm loan waiver scheme.
Pawar had launched the fast in Pandharpur on Friday, demanding a complete farm loan waiver and the removal of conditions attached to the state government's recently announced debt relief programme. He alleged that the eligibility criteria would deprive lakhs of distressed farmers of the benefits of the scheme.
Mahajan visited the protest site and held discussions with Pawar. During the meeting, he also spoke to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis over the phone and conveyed the government's willingness to address farmers' grievances.
"The state government is positive about addressing farmers' concerns. A meeting will be held before Jun 22 to discuss the issues constructively and work towards a solution," Mahajan said.
A key objection raised by Pawar was a provision under the scheme that excludes farmers who had availed themselves of the 2019 farm loan waiver from eligibility for the current relief package. Such farmers would instead receive a one-time incentive of Rs 50,000.
Pawar argued that the condition would adversely affect nearly 36 lakh farmers across Maharashtra and leave many debt-ridden cultivators without meaningful assistance.
Addressing supporters after announcing the suspension of his agitation, Pawar said the protest had achieved its immediate objective of compelling the government to engage in dialogue.
"The minister has assured us that all our demands will be considered during the proposed meeting. Therefore, we have decided to suspend the agitation for now," he said, clarifying that the protest had been put on hold and not withdrawn.
He further announced the formation of a committee comprising farmer leaders and political representatives. The committee will participate in the government-convened meeting along with various farmers' organisations to press for changes in the scheme.
Earlier this month, the Maharashtra Cabinet approved the Rs 36,585-crore Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Farm Loan Waiver Scheme, which aims to provide relief to around 55.72 lakh farmers in the state.
However, opposition parties have criticised the scheme, alleging that its stringent eligibility conditions would exclude a large section of farmers from receiving benefits. The scheme is scheduled to come into effect from Jun 20.
The proposed meeting later this month is expected to focus on the contentious eligibility norms and other demands raised by farmers' groups seeking broader debt relief measures.