The Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SP) legislator Rohit Pawar praised the Maharashtra government’s decision to eliminate the stringent conditions linked to the Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Loan Waiver Scheme. Initially burdened with complex terms, the scheme aimed to provide a massive Rs 36,585 crore loan waiver benefiting around 56 lakh farmers.
Rohit Pawar highlighted that the original framework posed risks of exclusion for over 35 lakh farmers. He criticized the cap limiting relief to Rs 50,000 for farmers who had previously benefited from the 2019 loan waiver. This condition was deemed unfair, especially considering the escalating costs farmers have faced since 2019.
The revised rules required farmers to repay crop loans on time for specific cycles to qualify for the state government’s subsidy. However, an additional clause demanded repayment for future years, creating a significant hurdle for farmers. Following intense protests and sustained agitations, the government ultimately repealed the controversial conditions, as announced by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Detailing the timeline of demonstrations, Rohit Pawar described how activists and farmers engaged in hunger strikes and massive marches to push for a review of the loan waiver terms. The successful outcome was attributed to the collective efforts of farmers, organizations, political leaders, and the media, showcasing a victory for farmer unity.
