Govt hikes farm loan waiver to Rs 71,680 cr

The provisions for debt waiver for farmers is increased by about 20 per cent to Rs 71,680 crore, a move that would enlarge the scope for relief for peasants.

The government on Friday hiked the provisions for debt waiver for farmers by a hefty about 20 per cent to Rs 71,680 crore, a move that would enlarge the scope for relief for peasants.

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The decision to increase the debt waiver amount from Rs 60,000 crore, announced in the Union Budget for 2008-09, was taken at the meeting of the Cabinet presided over by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

It is pertinent to mention that Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has been suggesting enlargement of the scheme to include more farmers.