more-in Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Thursday said his government would “smash to pieces the designs of those against farm loan waiver” and implement the Cabinet decision to write off farm loans taken by farmers from primary agricultural co-operative societies. Making a suo motu statement in the House after laying notifications pertaining to GST and presenting two Bills, the Chief Minister said the government would overcome obstacles related to farm loan waiver and function as “champion of farmers.” In a statement, the Chief Minister said the Cabinet had decided to waive off farm loans after a formal request was made by farmers. Once the file went to Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi, she forwarded it to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs seeking approval to waive off loans taken from commercial banks. She sought funds from the Ministry of Home Affairs to compensate the financial loss arising out of loan waiver. However, the Ministry made it clear that loans taken from commercial banks could not be written off and it would not be able to provide any financial assistance. The Ministry, nevertheless, permitted the government to write off loans taken from co-operative societies. Mr. Narayanasamy said his government would take all steps to safeguard the interest of farmers. The farmers were not happy with the proposal given by Ms. Bedi to convert short-term loans to long-term loans. She wanted to waive the interest alone. He said the farmers did not agree with the suggestion. Mr. Narayansamy said even in the case of re-appointment of chairpersons, the Ministry concurred with the Cabinet decision. Earlier, when the House convened at 10.45 a.m, after obituary references were made to former legislators — Gurusamy, Deivanaigam, Soundara Swamy by Speaker V. Vaithilingam, — the Chief Minister laid on the table of the House a copy of GST notifications. The House adjourned sine die at 11. 40 a.m after passing The Puducherry Court- Fees and Suits Valuation (Amendment) Bill, 2017 and The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Puducherry Amendment) Bill, 2017.

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