(News) Mayawati wrote to PM to waive off bank loans in Bundelkhand

Reacting to the UPA government's charge that Uttar Pradesh has failed miserably in utilizing Central funds meant for development of drought-hit Bundelkhand, UP chief minister Mayawati on Saturday wrote to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh asking him to waive off loans issued by nationalized banks to farmers in the region in view of the difficult situation they were facing. This is the second letter by Maya to Singh in the last few months in which she has asked for a loan waiver and reiterated that the Central government and previous state governments were responsible for the "pathetic" condition in Bundelkhand. She also directed the revenue department not to use force in realization of loans.

The letter and order of the chief minister assumes significance in view of the fact that since January, over 500 indebted farmers have reportedly committed suicide in the region. According to estimates, the total loan on around 15 lakh farmers in the region is over Rs 4,500 crore. The high court too has taken suo motto cognisance of the series of reports published in TOI highlighting plight of Bundelkhand farmers and sought a report from the state government.

The Congress has accused the state government of not utilizing the funds given by the Centre to the state for the drought-hit region. Maya's letter is being seen as an attempt to wriggle out of the situation where her government has been put in the dock for the Bundelkhand situation.

In her letter Mayawati has asked the Prime Minister to waive off loans taken by farmers till March 2011. While stating that her government has released Rs 400 crore for Bundelkhand which is reeling under drought for the last many years, she reiterated her demand of Rs 2,797 crore package for the region. She also informed the Prime Minister that the state government has issued orders not to use force in realization of loans up to Rs 2 lakh.

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Courtesy: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com