Farmers Movement Archive

Rajasthan: CM Ashok Gehlot orders to stop auction of agri land over non-payment of loans

JAIPUR: Amid an all-round attack by opposition parties over the auction of farmers’ land in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday issued an order directing officials to stop commercial banks from selling agricultural land of farmers who have been unable to repay loans. Following the Removal of Difficulties Act, commercial banks, which are under the direct control of the Reserve Bank of India, are attaching and auctioning agricultural lands. A statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) stated that the state government has waived farm loans in cooperative banks and urged the government of India to waive the same in commercial banks through a one-time settlement. The state government is also ready to offer its share in this effort, it added. “Our government has passed a Bill in the state assembly that sought to stop the auctioning of agricultural land of farmers up to five acres. But, the Bill has not become a law yet as the governor has not given his assent to it. I am saddened that such a situation has risen as this law has not seen the light of the day,” the CM said in the statement. “I am hopeful that this Bill will be approved soon,” he said. Meanwhile, BKU leader Rakesh Tikait met Dausa farmers, whose lands were allegedly auctioned by commercial banks over non-payment of loans, on Thursday. BJP MP Kirodi Lal Meena, accompanied by peasants, protested against the auction outside the chief minister's residence here. The party alleged that the farmers were forced to commit suicide as the Congress government has failed to waive farms loans in violation of its election manifesto.

The Times of India

2022-01-21

Jaipur