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Even before the Indian National Congress forms the government in Chhattisgarh, the state’s co-operative department has reportedly issued a letter to banks asking them to furnish details on loan dues of farmers as of November 30, according to a report by The Times of India.
The letter, sent to the State Bank of India (SBI) and other regional banks, states that the details must be furnished as Congress had promised such a waiver. Congress, in its election manifesto, had promised a farm loan waiver within 10 days of coming to power.
Senior officials confirmed the authenticity of the letter to the newspaper and said that it was the first step in fulfilling the party’s poll promise.
“Although a final decision would be taken by the competent authorities in the new government, we are preparing the data that will be presented to the government,” a senior official told the newspaper.
“I have sought data on financial implications on various issues, including the loan waiver. This letter been issued for the purpose,” state Chief Secretary Ajay Singh told the newspaper.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary PL Punia had told media shortly after the Congress’ win in the state elections that the party would stand by its promise and waive farmer loans.
The total amount of farm loan to be waived could be over Rs 5,000 crore, the report adds.
In the assembly election result announced on December 11, Congress had won 68 out of the 90 assembly seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 15 seats and other candidates won seven seats. Congress is returning to power in the state after 15 years.
The party is yet to announce its Chief Minister for the state. State unit chief Bhupesh Baghel, scion of an erstwhile royal family and leader of Opposition in the outgoing assembly TS Singh Deo, Congress’ sole Member of Parliament (MP) from the state Tamradhwaj Sahu and former union minister Charandas Mahant are in fray for the top job in the state.
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