Mumbai: Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday said that the farm loan waiver disbursement will begin from Wednesday and the government has received around 77 to 80 lakh applications. He said that the money would be directly deposited into farmers’ accounts and banks cannot divert the funds as the disbursement will take place through online process. The chief minister claimed that 10 lakh farmers would immediately benefit from the loan waiver. A day before Diwali, the CM spoke on various issues with the reporters.
“We will start loan waiver scheme disbursement from Wednesday, and about 10 lakh farmers will immediately benefit from it. Around 80 per cent of the process would be completed in next 25 to 30 days. There will be hearing for the remaining 20 per cent who could become ineligible. We have received 77 to 80 lakh farmers application for the scheme. Also, the banks cannot divert the money, as it will be transferred into the accounts of the farmers through online process. Banks usually with the help of write off accounts, divert the money,” the CM told reporters at his official residence Varsha over Diwali lunch.
On the controversial question of farmers in Mumbai, the CM said that the true farmers would only get the benefit of the scheme. He even said that the loan waiver alone cannot stop the suicides and investing in the agriculture would be helpful.
The CM admitted to the state exchequer are feeling the pinch of losing '3,000 crore after reducing fuel tax. However, he said that the state is looking for other revenue options to reduce the financial loss.
Trying to downplay Congress’ victory in Nanded Municipal Corporation polls, the CM said that it was just a “drawing paper”. “The Nanded success was like passing in drawing exams after failing in all other subjects,” he said. In Nanded, the Congress won 73 seats, and the BJP bagged six out of 81 seats.
Despite controversy over Mumbai University’s online paper checking system, the CM said that it would not change.
Reacting on the notices sent to youths in the state for their social media posts, the CM who also holds the home portfolio, said that only those with fake accounts have been served the notices.
