Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday announced that the state government will implement a farm loan waiver scheme before June 30, reported the PTI.
Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis said discussions on the scheme had already taken place in the state cabinet and only a small amount of district-level data was still awaited.
“Preparations are in the final stage. Once the remaining data is received, the government will roll out the loan waiver before June 30,” he said, the news agency reported.
The Chief Minister also responded to fresh protests announced by Maratha reservation activist Manoj Jarange.
Jarange has declared an indefinite hunger strike from May 30, accusing the government of delaying the issuance of Kunbi caste certificates in the Marathwada region.
CM Fadnavis rejected the allegations and said the state government had continuously worked for the welfare of the Maratha community.
No welfare scheme has been stopped: CM
The Chief Minister said several initiatives for the Maratha community were already in operation.
“Educational scholarships, hostel facilities and maintenance allowances are continuing. No welfare scheme has been discontinued,” he said, according to the PTI.
He also stated that Maratha youth were performing well in civil services and competitive examinations.
Kunbi certificate process following SC guidelines
Clarifying the issue of Kunbi caste certificates, CM Fadnavis said certificates are being issued only to those who fulfil the required eligibility criteria.
“The process is being carried out according to Supreme Court guidelines. Sub-committees and verification systems are already in place. The government cannot interfere beyond the legal framework,” he added, according to the PTI.
Fadnavis was speaking after attending the second edition of the International Agri Hackathon in Maharashtra.
He announced that four selected projects from the event would now be developed into commercial ventures.
The Chief Minister also said that from next year the programme would be renamed the ‘Maharashtra Agri Hackathon’.
Appeal to workers not to follow convoys
During another public programme, Fadnavis appealed to party workers not to follow ministers’ convoys in private vehicles.
“We must respond to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption and avoid unnecessary vehicle use,” he said.
(with PTI inputs)