District in-charge, Health and Family Welfare Minister U T Khader has directed the district administration to issue orders banning all finance companies, banks and moneylenders from recovering loans from farmers.
Speaking at a meeting with officials in the wake of farmers’ suicide in the region, the minister directed the deputy commissioner to call an immediate meeting of representatives of private finance companies, moneylenders and banks and instruct them not to recover loans from the farmers.
“Farmers in the region have been the role models for others in the State facing water crisis. It is unfortunate that two farmers from the district have committed suicide. The incident should not repeat in the future. Farmers should not take such extreme steps. Government will definitely respond to their problems and provide all facilities,” the minister assured.
Operation Kubera
“Chalk out right strategies under Operation Kubera and tackle moneylenders. District administration should spring into action and instil confidence in farmers,” he added.
The minister asked the DC to issue orders to Manappuram, Muthoot and other private finance companies to stop recovering loans from farmers. “Keep a watch on the financial activities of these companies and also issue directions to commercial banks not to recover loans,” the minister added.
MLA Ramesh Kumar said the gambling had assumed grave proportions in the border areas. “Moneylenders from the neighbouring states extend loans to the farmers in the border villages and are pushing them into gambling. There is a direct link between the farmers’ suicide and gambling,” he said.
“Our farmers have self respect and will never ask to waive of loans. Give some time for the farmers to repay their loans, he stated.
The MLA said that “meter interest” (charging usurious rate of interest) business was increasing in Kolar and chit fund business was at its peak. Women themselves were running chit fund businesses. But police despite having information on the illegal activities, had not been taking any action against moneylenders and the those running chit fund business. “The country lacks proper credit policy. And that is why all these problems are erupting,” Ramesh said.
He added that farmers subsidies are being eaten away by the financiers. Police should tackle finance companies like Manappuram and Muthoot within 48 hours. Farmers who have taken loans from these companies should not repay loans at any cost, he suggested.
MP K H Muniyappa opined district administration should impart proper guidance to the farmers in distress. And finance companies should be directed not to approach farmers asking for the repayment of their loans.
Farmers leaders meanwhile in the meeting complained that the middlemen at APMC were demanding heavy commission from farmers.
“Finance companies like Muthoot and Manappuram are threatening farmers with auctioning their land if they failed to repay the loans. To add to their woes, moneylenders refuse to extend loans as police are lodging complaints against them,” they added.
Deputy Commissioner Dr K V Trilokchandra, Superintendent of Police Ajay Hilori, KGF Superintendent of Police Bhagvandas attended the meeting.
Published 26 July 2015, 18:42 IST