Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today announced a debt waiver for sections of the farming sector. This included a total waiver of crop loans of up to Rs 2 lakh for all small and marginal farmers holding land up to 5 acres. He also announced a flat Rs 2 lakh relief for all other marginal farmers, irrespective of the loan amount thus paving the way for eventual total waiver of agricultural debts to implement another major poll promise of the ruling party.
Making the announcements during his speech in the Vidhan Sabha, the Chief Minister said the move would benefit a total of 10.25 lakh farmers, including 8.75 lakh farmers up to 5 acres. The initiative would provide double the relief announced by the states of Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, he pointed out.
The decision is based on the interim report of the Expert Group, headed by eminent economist Dr. T. Haque, and tasked with suggesting ways and means to help the state’s distressed farming community.