Amajor decision was taken in the interest of Madhya Pradesh farmers at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
The state government has approved the “Kavach Yojana” to provide relief to defaulting farmers of the state’s Primary Agricultural Cooperative Societies (PACS). This government move is expected to provide a major relief to thousands of debt-ridden farmers in the state.
Around 5000 Farmers To Benefit
The implementation of the “Kavach Yojana,” approved by the Council of Ministers, will directly benefit approximately 5,000 defaulting farmers in the state. These farmers, affiliated with primary agricultural cooperative societies, have been waiting for relief for a long time. This scheme will attempt to rescue them from the financial crisis and reconnect them with mainstream banking and agricultural credit systems.
Equal Share Of Govt And Banks
Financial arrangements for the implementation of the Kavach scheme have also been finalised. The state government and cooperative banks will contribute half of the total amount under the scheme. The District Cooperative Central Bank (DCCB) and Apex Bank will jointly contribute Rs 50 crore, while the state government will contribute an equal amount, Rs 50 crore. Thus, with a financial provision of Rs 100 crore, this scheme will alleviate the financial burden of defaulting farmers.
In another news, passenger bus fares on various routes in Madhya Pradesh are expected to increase by 20 to 25 per cent starting this month, sources said, adding that the government may accept the demand of the bus operaters. Currently, bus fares are set at Rs 1.25 per kilometer, which could be increased to Rs 1.50 to Rs 1.75 per kilometer.
The Transport Department is preparing to issue a notification this month. An official statement on the increament of the bus fare is awaited.
A meeting was held at the Ministry of Transport on Monday regarding seven demands of bus operators, including a fare increase. Transport Minister Uday Pratap Singh, Water Resources Minister Tulsi Silavat, Madhya Pradesh Bus Owners Association general secretary Jaikumar Jain, and vice president Virendra Sahu attended the key meeting to find a solution.