Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced the definitive timeline for the state government's farm loan waiver scheme, declaring that all eligible farmers will receive their loan waivers before June 30. Speaking at a press conference after meetings to review Kharif season preparations and the State Level Bankers' Committee, Fadnavis emphasized that this timely implementation will clear the path for farmers to secure fresh credit for the upcoming agricultural season. The initiative targets agricultural loans up to ₹2 lakh for qualified farmers, with over 51 lakh farmers set to benefit from the program, as reported by IANS.
To ensure smooth implementation, Fadnavis has issued absolute directives to banking institutions prohibiting them from demanding CIBIL scores from farmers seeking crop loans. As reported by IANS, the Chief Minister stated that nationalised banks must strictly achieve at least 80 per cent of their designated agricultural loan distribution targets. Banking headquarters have been instructed to issue explicit notification letters to every local branch clarifying that CIBIL scores are not mandatory for crop loans. Officials from the Reserve Bank of India attended the meeting and confirmed this regulatory stance, ensuring that no farmer's crop loan process will be obstructed. Statistical data indicates that District Cooperative Banks and Rural banks currently account for 67 per cent of agricultural loans, whereas other nationalised banks account for 26 per cent. Fadnavis warned that despite stern messages, there may be two or three defaulters who will be handled appropriately.
Addressing concerns about the upcoming agricultural season, Fadnavis confirmed that the government has prepared comprehensive measures to combat the El Niño effect, which is expected to result in 88% of the long-term average rainfall for Maharashtra's upcoming kharif season. As reported by IANS, the Chief Minister warned that western Vidarbha, Marathwada and parts of North Maharashtra will face the severity of El Niño conditions, with rainfall distribution likely to vary even within districts. He emphasized that rainfall will have a descending impact from June to September, and the gap between two spells of rain is expected to increase this season. Each district has been instructed to prepare a special plan to combat the El Niño effect, with the state formulating comprehensive contingency plans based on these weather indicators.
Addressing concerns about the timing of the announcement in relation to the upcoming MLC elections, Fadnavis clarified that the Model Code of Conduct for the MLC polls due on June 18 in concerned constituencies will not prevent the loan waiver program from being implemented. As reported by ANI, Fadnavis explained that since the decision was made before the MLC polls were due, the code of conduct is unlikely to have an impact. He noted that voters for the polls and legislators are not beneficiaries of the waiver, and indicated they would consult the Chief Electoral Officer if necessary. Fadnavis emphasized that the loan waiver will be announced before June 30, with the announcement made much before the Legislative Council elections.
