Date: December 05, 2024
Telangana’s Crop Loan Waiver: Farmers’ Frustration
Telangana’s Crop Loan Waiver: Farmers’ Frustration and Unresolved Complaints
The crop loan waiver program in Telangana, launched by the Congress government, was intended to provide relief to struggling farmers. However, after the rollout of three phases, many farmers remain disillusioned and frustrated. Despite meeting the eligibility criteria, numerous farmers claim they are being denied the promised waiver.
A Disappointing Reality for Farmers on Crop Loan Waiver
The government recently initiated the fourth phase of the loan waiver program, releasing funds in hopes of addressing the issues. However, the expectations of farmers quickly turned into disappointment as their problems remained unresolved. Over one lakh complaints were filed with the agriculture department and bankers, but sources suggest that only about 25% of these complaints have been addressed.
Frustration Builds Among Farmers
Farmers, who have been visiting agriculture extension officers (AEOs) and banks in hopes of resolving their issues, are increasingly frustrated. Many claim that they continue to be denied the waiver despite meeting all eligibility requirements. The slow resolution process has been attributed to the lack of an effective grievance redressal mechanism.
Reversal of Funds
In an unexpected move, the government reversed loan waiver funds deposited into the accounts of 28,000 farmers, returning the money to government coffers. The BRS WhatsApp helpline has also received around 1.5 lakh complaints regarding the loan waiver, further underscoring the extent of the issue.
A Heartbreaking Case
One of the most tragic cases involves Seganama Nagabhushanam, a farmer from Potharam village in Siddipet district. Nagabhushanam received Rs 60,244 in waiver funds on July 18, only to have the money returned to the government due to a failure in the “direct benefit transfer” (DBT) process. Unfortunately, Nagabhushanam passed away during the resolution process. His family has been struggling for three months to resolve the issue, but despite their efforts, the waiver has not been reinstated. Their hopes for the fourth phase were dashed when Nagabhushanam’s name was missing from the list again.
This heartbreaking case is not unique. More than 300 farmers in Potharam village and surrounding areas are also waiting for their waiver to be processed. The lack of clarity on when their issues will be resolved only adds to their frustration.
The Government’s Response
While the government has assured farmers that unresolved cases will be taken up, there has been little clarity on the resolution process. Farmers are urging the government to promptly address their issues and ensure that all eligible farmers receive the promised relief. Many fear that the crop loan waiver program will remain a broken promise for the most vulnerable farmers in Telangana
The crop loan waiver program in Telangana was meant to be a lifeline for farmers, but for many, it has become a symbol of frustration and unfulfilled promises. As farmers continue to wait for resolutions to their complaints. The government must act swiftly to restore their trust and ensure that every eligible farmer receives the relief they are owed. Until then, the struggle continues, with many losing faith in the system.