BHUBANESWAR: In view of the large number of farmers' suicide and worsening drought situation, the state government has decided to reschedule the agriculture loan of the farmers in the affected areas.
The decision was announced by chief minister Naveen Patnaik after his return from a five day visit to New Delhi. The farmers of the drought affected areas need not worry about re-payment of their loans, Naveen said and announced that the state government has already decided to reschedule agriculture loans.
The chief minister also announced that strong action will be taken against unscrupulous money lenders. Referring to the Rs 1000 crore package announced by the state government for the farmers, Naveen said, "together we have faced many calamities in the past. The State Government is with our farmers and has all along been working to protect their interests."
The chief minister, who met union finance minister Arun Jaitley during his New Delhi visit, said he has demanded a package of Rs 3500 crore from the Centre to tackle the situation arising out of inadequate rainfall. "The state government will make all efforts to mitigate the sufferings of the farmers and protect their interest," he said. Naveen also raised the issue of Posco during his meeting with Jaitley. He has requested the union finance minister to convene a tripartite meeting between the Centre, state government and Posco to resolve the issue.
Meanwhile, the state government has come in for strong criticism from the Centre for seeking a package on drought from the Centre without making a proper assessment of the situation. Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram said that it was a premature move on the part of the chief minister to approach the Centre for assistance in a desperate bid to cover up his government's failure.
Reacting to the demand for central assistance to tackle drought, the union minister said the BJD government is shedding crocodile tears for farmers in view of growing resentment among distressed peasants several of whom have committed suicide. Criticising the state government for failing to mitigate the plight of farmers, president of Odisha Pradesh Congress
Committee (OPCC) Prasad Harichandan alleged it is insensitive towards the sufferings of the farmers.