Government gives directions to put off recovery revenue against corporative loans taken by farmers

 Concerning the loss of crops to the farmers due to heavy rain and hailstorm, the Chief Minister Harish Rawat has given directions to put off the recovery of revenue and irrigation dues along with interest on cooperative loans and electricity surcharge for the next six months.

Directions have been given to put off the all recoveries from 1^st April to 30^th September. The state government will bear the interest on cooperative loans and electricity surcharge of this period. The Central government has also been requested to put off the recovery of dues of commercial banks and government institutions, till the next six months.

          The Chief Minister Harish Rawat held a high level meeting to review the loss of crops to the farmers at Bijapur Guest House, today. Damage assessment should be made seriously. Actual damage must be included in this. The damaged caused by the rain in last 2-3 days must be included with losses in March.

          Directions have also been given to the officials of Agriculture and Horticulture to prepare an alternative plan to help the farmers. The CM ordered the officials of Forest Department to get involve now for preparing to plantation. There is a need to accelerate the functioning of forest department. Due to elimination of the central assistance in 14^th finance commission by Central government for plantation, orders have been given to summit the projection by August. The necessary funds would be provided by the state government. The CM stated that the Eucalyptus trees which have crossed the age limit or which are in bad condition, necessary formalities must be completed quickly. Small ponds must be established at identified places in 40 divisions of Forest Department. Pine trees and broad leaf trees must be planted there. The forest department is required to be innovative. Other schemes like eco tourism must be prepared to increase department’s income along with it will also increase the economy of rural area.

          Present on the occasion were the Agriculture Minister Dr. Harak Singh Rawat, Forest Minister Dinesh Agarwal, Chief Secretary N. Ravi Shankar and Secretary Horticulture Nidhi Pandey along with others.