Bangalore: The Governor's address has put to rest the recent confusion over the proposed waiver of farm loans, with a clear statement that the Government "is only thinking" of such a move in the interests of farmers.

The confusion in political circles and in particular between Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister B.S. Yediyurappa thus apparently looks settled for the present. A clear-cut announcement is expected on this in the ensuing Budget.

In his address to the joint session of the State Legislature here on Thursday, Governor T.N. Chaturvedi referred to the people's welfare initiatives undertaken by the Government, including the proposed waiver of farm loans, the proposed ban on arrack from the coming excise year and the implementation of the financial package provided by the Union Government to prevent farmers' suicides.

The Governor referred to the buoyant financial position, which enabled the Government to add several new welfare schemes, including provision of bicycles to high school boys and girls from below poverty line families, and the recent scheme to constitute a Greater Bangalore Development Authority.

The Government was "thinking of" waiving the loans obtained by farmers from cooperative institutions and the scheme would be implemented with funds obtained by retrieval of encroached lands in Bangalore and their disposal as per rules. "A comprehensive study is being made as to the quantum of loans to be waived and the categories of farmers."

Meanwhile, the Government has constituted a Cabinet subcommittee to oversee the implementation of a special package (Rs. 2,689.64 crore) of the Centre announced for six districts (Belgaum, Hassan, Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Shimoga and Kodagu) where a high incidence of farmers' suicides have been reported.

He announced a two-pronged approach to step up the industrial infrastructure in line with the industrial policy announced recently. The Government would acquire land wherever feasible and form industrial layouts to an extent of at least 5,000 acres a year to meet the surging demand. Further, to upgrade the quality of industrial infrastructure in the industrial estates, Rs. 500 crore would be provided by the Government.

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