MVA government announces sops for farmers in maiden budget

Mumbai, Mar 6 ()Maharashtra Deputy Chief MinisterAjit Pawar on Friday announcedone-time settlement scheme forfarmers whose debt is more than Rs 2 lakh in the state budgetfor 2020-21.

Pawar, who also holds the finance portfolio, saidanamount of Rs 2 lakh will be deposited in bank accounts offarmers whose dues were more than Rs 2 lakh till September 30,2019.

Presenting the first budget of the Shiv Sena-led MVAgovernment in the assembly, the finance minister saidfarmerswho tookcrop loan in 2018-19 and regularly pay their dueswill be given Rs 50,000 as incentive.

Pawar said the budget proposals focus on tacklingchallenges of economic slowdownand creation of employment.

He said the government has set a target of feedingone lakh people through its 'Shiv Bhojan' meal scheme.

The finance minister made a provision of Rs 150 crorefor the subsidised food scheme for the poor.

Incidentally, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) governmentcompleted 100 days in office on Friday.

Pawar saidthere was a drop in central funds to thestate to the tune of Rs 8,453 crore.

The state's debt till January 2020 stood at Rs4,33,901 crore, the finance minister said. MR NDRSY RSY