Will only waive micro-finance loans for poor women : Assam CM

GUWAHATI: Assam's chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that only underprivileged women would be eligible for the waiver of loans as promised by the BJP in the run-up to this year's Assembly elections.

"In every rally, I had said that every poor woman would be given micro-finance help. If you want, you can watch video clippings. So whatever we do we have to do for the poor and helpless lot," Sarma told media persons.

The Assam Government has set different criteria to waive microfinance (MF) loans to the tune of more than Rs 12,500 crore. However, after looking at the criteria, the total liability has come to 8,250 crores.

The irrigation and urban development minister is heading a committee formed to assess the financial situation for fulfilling the BJP's election promise for waiving microfinance loans. Sarma today made it clear that only those who have taken Joint Liability Group (JLG) loans are eligible.

Sarma today said that the waiver of loans will have several terms and conditions and added that as per the terms and conditions, it only makes sense for the poorer sections to avail the benefit.

"The CM also said that the lives of around 22 lakh women in the state will be benefited by the scheme "either through incentive or relief."

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He also said that the rich women of the state should be completely excluded from the scheme and said that in each speech that he had made before polls, he mentioned that it was meant for "poor women."

Meanwhile, opposition Congress in Assam alleged that BJP led government is making a U-turn on the microfinance loan waiver scheme.

Leader of opposition in Assam assembly Debabrata Saikia in a statement said that during election campaign BJP has promised waiver however now the government is saying that waiver will come with exceptions this is U-turn.

Chairman of microfinance waiver committee Ashok Singhal said the waiver will exclude income tax payee, persons availing multiple loans, a person having four-wheelers and a person whose annual income is more than one lakh.

Sarma further went on to say that "failure is not an option" and that he will generate 1 lakh loans, continue Arunodoy scheme, and also give relaxations on loans also.

The CM also said that in the future, only those families who have not more than 2 children will be eligible for the schemes. The "population norms", however, will not be applicable for the scheduled caste and tribe and the tea tribe community.

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