Chennai:
AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday accused the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government of creating confusion over its crop loan waiver scheme and failing to fulfil its election promises to farmers.
In a statement, Palaniswami said the government’s handling of the loan waiver issue reflected a lack of administrative experience and had led to widespread uncertainty among farmers across the State.
He pointed out that during the Assembly election campaign, the TVK had promised a complete waiver of crop loans availed by small and marginal farmers if it came to power. However, after assuming office, the government announced that loans up to Rs 50,000 taken by small and marginal farmers would be fully waived, while loans above that amount would receive only a proportionate waiver.
According to him, this decision triggered protests from the AIADMK and various farmers’ associations, who demanded that the government honour its poll promise in full. He further alleged that following growing opposition, the government issued a revised announcement under which crop loans up to Rs 75,000 would be fully waived, while those who borrowed more than Rs 75,000 would receive a waiver of only Rs 35,000.
Palaniswami compared the move to removing a small portion of a heavy burden and said the government was merely creating an impression of easing farmers’ debt without addressing the actual problem.
Describing the latest announcement as unprecedented, he said the government had failed to recognise that loan requirements vary depending on the crops cultivated and the scale of farming operations.
Accusing the administration of making decisions without proper planning, Palaniswami urged the government to stop issuing policy announcements that create confusion among farmers. He also called on the government to consider more substantial relief measures, including broader waivers, to genuinely support the farming community.