Maharashtra government waives farmer loans

The farmers of Maharashtra who are protesting in the wake of farm distress, had threatened to protest on the streets and disrupt rail traffic on June 12 if the government did not decide soon. Well, the government did, under severe criticism.

The Maharashtra government on Sunday agreed to completely waive farmer loans in the state and said a committee will be formed to decide the criteria for the waiver. The state government has decided to waive farm loans worth Rs 30,000 crore of small and marginal farmers. More than 1.07 crore farmers with less than five acre land will be eligible for the waiver.

The 4 hour long meeting also brought about the following agreements: that the government will get 30% profit on milk while the farmers will get 70%.

The agreement also says that police cases filed against farmers will be withdrawn. However, cases filed against those who vandalised public property will continue.

The farmer bodies also issued the ultimatum that if the government fails to meet its promises, they will again agitate from June 25^th.