During the presentation of the state Budget, Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar made a significant announcement regarding the waiver of interest on specific crop loans. The Chief Minister revealed this measure amidst unveiling the financial plan for the fiscal year 2024-25, totaling Rs 1.89 lakh crore.
"I am pleased to declare the waiver of interest and penalty on crop loans acquired until September 30, 2023, provided that the principal sum is repaid by May 31, 2024, under the condition that the farmer is registered with MFMB (Meri Fasal Mera Byora)," stated Khattar during the budget presentation.
Against the backdrop of ongoing farmer protests at the Punjab-Haryana border, Khattar underscored the Haryana government's dedication to farmer welfare, highlighting initiatives such as the provision of a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 crops.
However, as Khattar made this announcement, Leader of the Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda raised concerns about the invocation of the National Security Act (NSA) against protesting farmers on Haryana's borders.
In response, Khattar affirmed his empathy towards farmers, emphasizing his own agrarian background. He asserted his commitment to addressing farmers' grievances and suggested that the opposition's criticism stemmed from an inability to accept or appreciate measures in favor of farmers.
Earlier in the day, the Haryana Police announced the rescission of their prior decision to apply provisions of the NSA against certain farmer leaders participating in the ongoing 'Dilli Chalo' agitation.
