Karnataka - Mysore   

Chief Minister reiterates decision to waive farm loans

Staff Correspondent

`Arrack and lottery will be banned by next year'

MYSORE: Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has said that he will not continue in power if he fails to implement the Government's decision to waive loans availed of by farmers.

A final decision on the waiver would be announced shortly after discussing the proposal with Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister B.S. Yediyurappa and officials, he said.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the valedictory of "Jatra Mahotsava" in Suttur on Saturday.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said that his Government was committed to waiving the loans taken by farmers from cooperative banks.

"We extend red carpet welcome to investors, especially Information Technology companies, and offer tax holiday to many companies. But when we talk of waiving farmers' loans, it becomes an issue. We have, therefore, taken this conscious decision to waive farmers' loans," he said.

"Nothing is impossible for a Government if there is commitment. We announced that farmers will be given loans at an interest rate of 4 per cent, and implemented the decision as we had commitment. The Congress leaders are worried over my decision and hence are making such statements. They should not lose patience until we implement our promise," he said. "Mr. Kumaraswamy said that he would discuss with the officials whether the outstanding loans of farmers in nationalised banks, private banks and those taken from private lenders could also be waived.

Mr. Kumaraswamy reiterated the Government's commitment to free the State from arrack and lottery by next year.

He said that employment would be provided to those who would be thrown out of their jobs.

The Chief Minister denied allegations that he had announced an arrack ban as the excise lobby had supported the former Deputy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the Chamundeshwari Assembly byelection.

He said the Government would not make any compromise while taking action against those involved in land grabbing in Bangalore.

It would not come under any pressure, Mr. Kumaraswamy said.

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