'Promises made during elections don't always translate directly into actions': Maha deputy CM Ajit Pawar on crop loan waiver

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra deputy chief minister and finance minister Ajit Pawar on Saturday addressed concerns about loan waivers, making it clear that farmers must repay their crop loans by March 31.
He admitted that election promises don’t always translate into immediate action and that future decisions will depend on prevailing circumstances.
However, he assured that 0% interest loans would be available to ease the burden on farmers.
"Whether it's Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis or deputy CM Eknath Shinde, the focus remains on working for the welfare of the people. Recently, many citizens raised concerns about the election manifesto's promise of loan waivers. As of March 28, I want to clearly inform the people of Maharashtra through this program to repay their crop loans by March 31. Promises made during elections don't always translate directly into actions… Considering the current circumstances, decisions will be made in the future. However, for now and even next year, loans taken must be repaid. On a positive note, arrangements have been made to avail of loans at 0% interest," Pawar said at an event in Baramati.

Discussing the state's financial commitments, Pawar highlighted the challenges of managing Maharashtra’s budget of Rs 7.20 lakh crore. He pointed out that waiving electricity bills alone costs the government nearly Rs 65,000 crore. "Whatever was said does not come into action directly because while presenting a budget of Rs 7.20 lakh crore, electricity bills worth about Rs 65,000 crore have been waived off, meaning you don't, but we, the government, have to pay it," he said.
Pawar also outlined the financial burden of various welfare schemes, including Rs 45,000 crore allocated for the

Ladki Bahin Yojana

. Additionally, Rs 3.5 lakh crore is required for salaries, pensions, and loan interest payments. "If we add Rs 65,000 crore and Rs 3.5 lakh crore, nearly Rs 4.25 lakh crore is already spent. The remaining funds have to cover essential expenses like school books, uniforms, electricity, water, and roads," he added.
Recalling his recent visit to Kolhapur, Pawar mentioned that his colleague Hasan Mushrif had urged him to address the issue of crop loan waivers, as many farmers were awaiting relief. "Yesterday, I was in Kolhapur, and even there, Hasan Mushrif asked me to quickly decide as people are not paying and are waiting… Hence, we will take a decision after assessing the situation. Right now, the conditions do not allow for a waiver, so this year’s and next year’s loans must be repaid," Pawar said.
To support farmers, he reiterated that the state has arranged for 0% interest loans, covering bank interest costs of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 crore. "I have passed that on to the banks," he added.