'Attitude of paying attention to farmers' issues only when a farmer commits suicide should change'; Governor reaches hospital where Prasad's body is kept

THIRUVALLA: Governor Arif Mohammad Khan has come down heavily on the state government in the incident in which a farmer committed suicide in Kuttanad. He said that the attitude of paying attention to farmers' issues only when a farmer commits suicide should change. The Governor was speaking to the media after reaching the hospital where farmer Prasad's body is kept. He will later visit Prasad's house and meet his family members.

The Governor had earlier criticised the state government by stating that it was spending money lavishly in the name of celebrations amidst the financial crisis.

"Many people are in distress as they are not even receiving their pensions. Huge amounts are being spent on the personal staff of the ministers. They are granting pensions to those who served for just two years as personal staff of ministers. This is how the government is functioning here. If there is extravagance in Raj Bhavan, why is the government not stopping it? I am not begging them for anything. If there is any extravagance in Raj Bhavan, let them stop it. The farmers in the state are facing big difficulties. I am with the family of the farmer. I'll do whatever I can for that family," the Governor said.

Thakazhi native and Kisan Sangh district president Prasad (55) committed suicide today morning. He had approached a bank for a loan for agricultural purposes. However, the bank did not sanction the loan as he had PRS loan arrears. Saddened by this, Prasad committed suicide.

Meanwhile, an audio clip of the phone conversation that Prasad had before committing suicide has surfaced. In the audio clip, Prasad can be heard telling his friend that he was a farmer who failed. He also said that he did not receive money after giving the paddy to the government and that he was denied a loan in the name of PRS arrears.

"I cultivated acres of rice and gave it to the government. However, the government did not give us money. I asked for a loan in return. But they said that they would not give the loan as I have PRS arrears. What can I say, brother? I failed. My life also failed. I had stopped drinking 20 years ago. But now, I started drinking again. Brother you must fight for me. I have sown three acres of paddy. I don't even have money to buy manure for it. When I gave them paddy, they gave me Rs 5 lakhs as a loan. I am now a debtor to the government. The banks will give me another loan only if the government gives this amount to the bank. Now, nobody will give me money," Prasad said.