State Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil’s claim on Monday, that over 10 lakh applications for farm loan waivers are bogus, has taken a controversial turn as the government is yet to begin scrutinising the applications. The deadline for applying for the waiver is September 15,
The claim is controversial because the process of submitting application forms is still in progress. The entire process is being monitored by the State Co-operation Department and not the department under Mr Patil. Sources in the State Co-operation Department told The Hindu that the system to detect fake and bogus beneficiaries is yet to begin as a Government Resolution (GR) to this effect hasn’t been issued.
The Opposition and farmer organisations questioned Mr. Patil’s claim. “The minister must apologise to the farmers. With the application process mired in technical delays, he has called farmers who have suffered as bogus,” Ajit Nawale, convener, steering committee of farmer organisations and leader, Maharashtra Kisan Sabha, said.
He said the online application process requires land documents, Aadhaar number, crop loan details and fingerprints. “It’s impossible to file bogus applications. The conditions are such that it will ensure a large number of farmers don’t get benefits. The statement by the minister is to hide this. Offline applications should be accepted.”
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council and NCP MLC Dhananjay Munde said, “This government is threatening and insensitive to farmers.”