Maintaining that the State Government has indirectly admitted that farmers have been committing suicide after failing to repay loans they borrowed from cooperative banks and private moneylenders, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram on Wednesday asked the Government not to politicise the issue rather find appropriate ways to solve the problems of the distressed peasants.
“The State Government has been claiming that farmers have not committed suicide due to crop loss and loan burden, but at the same time it has admitted that nearly 56 farmers who have committed suicide have taken loan from banks and other sources,” said Oram.
Responding a query as to when the Centre would release funds to tackle the drought situation, the BJP leader said Central assistance is not a problem now.
“Central assistance is not a problem now here. The problem is that the State Government has failed to give assurance to the farmers while its officials have not visited the drought-hit districts and met any farmers,” said Oram, adding that as a result, the hapless farmers, finding no alternative, are being forced to commit suicide.
He also said that in most cases, it has been found that farmers committed suicide after failing to repay the loan they had borrowed.
Asking the BJD leaders not to politicise the issue by organising Chasi Samavesh, Oram said, “The ruling party leaders should visit the drought-hit areas and personally meet farmers and seek their suggestions to tackle the disaster.
He further informed that he would take up drought situation with the Union Agriculture Minister soon.