Caretaker-Chief Minister of Karnataka HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday announced that the state’s Debt Relief Act for landless farmers and labourers introduced by his government has got the President’s assent.
“After I took the oath, my government decided to waive off farmer loans, then we planned to bring in this all-encompassing non-institutional debt relief law. I wanted to bring such an act that will help landless labourers and farmers. We sent the proposal to the President for approval. He has now signed it. This is my parting gift to the people. I have told officials to educate people on this,” Kumaraswamy told reporters.
“I wanted to introduce the same kind of law that was introduced by the late Devraj Urs to help people of weaker sections. I am very grateful to the President for accepting this Bill. Already the GO has been issued. I am very happy for this even when I am vacating my office as I have been able to help the weaker sections,” he added.
This law will help the landless and minor landowners who were not covered in the state’s farm loan waiver and were harassed by pawnbrokers, traditional moneylenders. This bill was part of the promises mentioned in the poll manifesto of the JD(S) in the run-up to the Karnataka Assembly elections in May 2018.
The CM said that all persons having such institutional debts should submit with whatever evidence they have to the Assistant Commissioner (Revenue Department) concerned within 90 days’ time. “Under this Act, people will get a one-time settlement for all their debt. My appeal is to the media to communicate this to the people. All debt which has been taken until yesterday will be waived off in a one-time settlement,” Kumaraswamy added.
The CM also said that he met the top officers of all departments earlier in the day and thanked them for their cooperation during his tenure. He said, “I have advised them that the current political instability may continue for the next government as well. Several developments may take place and there is more responsibility on our officers than elected representatives. I requested them to take care of the problems faced by the common man and issues related to development of the state.”