Farmer debt relief package; Chief Secretary faced criticism in ministerial meeting

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Secretary Tom Jose faced harsh criticism from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for not releasing the order of the announced package for the relief of farmers facing confiscation from bank authorities. The Revenue Minister also had a similar voice.

Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekharan had directed in writing to implement the ministerial decision before the election code of conduct comes into force.

The election announcement came on March 10. The ministerial meeting on March 5 recognized the package that imposed a moratorium on all loans availed by farmers.

To the CM’s questions, the Chief Secretary replied that the validity of moratorium is until October 31 and that’s why the order was delayed.

The government sources, however, cited these explanations as a weak excuse. The decision in the ministerial meeting was to widen the range of moratorium, by including non-agricultural loans of farmers as well. The Revenue Minister had directed in writing to fasten the procedures.