FOR A CAUSE: BJP leader K. Vidyasagar Rao speaking to mediapersons in Kurnool on Tuesday. — Photo: U. Subramanyam

KURNOOL: Former Union Minister and BJP leader K. Vidyasagar Rao called for immediate release of debt-ridden farmers from jails. There should not be any second thoughts on such an important issue, he said, referring to the Government's plea for more time.

Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, he said the Government is armed with Andhra Pradesh Agricultural Indebtedness Relief Act, 1977, which can be invoked to proclaim that all private loans are deemed to have been repaid.

Mr. Rao, who visited Bingi Doddi village on Tuesday, said one farmer is in the jail for not repaying a private loan while two others committed suicide after they were sent to prison.

Administration faulted

The BJP leader found fault with the district administration, which failed to protect farmers from being sent to jail.

Mandal Tahsildar should have brought the issue to the notice of the Collector, who in turn should have invoked the Act, he said.

The Superintendent of Police should have used his discretion while his subordinates executed the court decree, he felt

He lamented that farmers are being sent to jail while factionists are being set free against the spirit of law.

Of the total bank credit, 57 per cent was utilised by Coastal Andhra while Rayalaseema is using 13 per cent, he said. The credit corresponding to deposits in Rayalaseema is very low and money from the region has gone elsewhere as investment, he said.

Average crop loan in Coastal Andhra is around Rs 37,000 while it is Rs. 11,500 in Rayalaseema, he said, quoting Jayati Ghosh study.

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