Rajasthan Passes Bill: Farm Loan Non-Payment No More Considered as Default

In a significant move to address the growing issue of farmer indebtedness, Rajasthan became the first state in the country to pass "The Rajasthan State Farmers Debt Relief Commission Bill-2023" on Wednesday. The legislation aims to provide much-needed relief to farmers who face difficulties in repaying loans and risk falling into default.

The bill was presented by Udai Lal Anjana, the minister in charge, and was passed by a voice vote despite protests from the BJP. While Balwan Poonia, CPI-M MLA, attempted to raise questions concerning both the state and Central governments, his concerns were not fully heard amidst the commotion.

The statement on objects and reasons of the bill highlights the severity of the issue of farmer indebtedness in recent times. Natural calamities such as famine, floods, heavy rainfall, scarcity of rainfall, hailstorms, and other factors have exacerbated the farmers' financial burdens. As a result, many farmers find it increasingly challenging to repay loans acquired from financial institutions or money lenders.

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The bill recognizes the dire circumstances faced by farmers, particularly those who hold agricultural land as tenants, sub-tenants, licensees, mortgagees, government land leaseholders, or those with mixed possession of the land. It also extends to marginal and small farmers for whom agriculture is the principal means of livelihood.

According to the provisions of the bill, a commission will be established to adjudicate farmers' cases and make recommendations for redressal through conciliation and negotiations. This Farmers' Debt Relief Commission will take into account the farmers' debt-ridden situations and work towards preventing the auction of their land. Additionally, the commission will facilitate loan repayments and may propose loan waivers, providing a much-needed lifeline to the struggling farming community.

The passing of this bill by the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly demonstrates the state's commitment to addressing the pressing issue of farmer indebtedness. By offering a platform for adjudication and negotiation, the Farmers' Debt Relief Commission is poised to play a crucial role in alleviating the financial burdens faced by farmers.

The bill's provisions are expected to bring substantial relief to farmers, enabling them to continue their agricultural pursuits without the constant fear of losing their land due to loan default. It represents a proactive step towards safeguarding the livelihoods of the farming community and promoting a more sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector in the state.

As this groundbreaking legislation paves the way for protecting farmers and fostering agricultural development, it sets a precedent for other states to follow suit in addressing the challenges faced by the farming community across the country. The Rajasthan State Farmers Debt Relief Commission Bill-2023 stands as a beacon of hope for those who toil to feed the nation, ensuring that their contributions are duly recognized and supported by the state's legislative framework.

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