Government responsible for farmer suicides due to microfinance harassment: Mukhyamantri Chandru
Bengaluru: Aam Aadmi Party’s state president, Dr Mukhyamantri Chandru, has held the Karnataka government directly responsible for the rise in farmer suicides caused by illegal practices of microfinance institutions. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, he urged immediate and stringent legal action against such entities.
Dr Chandru stated that these illegal microfinance companies, with the alleged support of local politicians and the police, are operating outside the purview of RBI regulations and Indian laws. They are accused of using criminal tactics, including unlawful recoveries, threats, and public humiliation, to enforce repayment of exorbitant interest rates. This, he said, highlights the failure of the state police department.
He further criticised local cooperative societies for not providing low-interest loans to farmers, claiming they are under the control of influential local politicians. On the other hand, government schemes meant to provide financial assistance for crop losses have not reached farmers effectively. This has forced many farmers to turn to illegal microfinance institutions, creating an environment that drives them to take extreme steps, he added.
Dr Chandru expressed disappointment over the inaction of the state police and the central Enforcement Directorate (ED). He alleged that if strict action had been taken against these companies earlier, hundreds of farmer lives could have been saved. Instead, the government and opposition have been busy with baseless political blame games, which have now led to these tragic suicides.
He demanded that the government immediately implement strict legal measures against these financial entities and recommend action by the ED. He also stressed the need for urgent measures to prevent further exploitation and suicides among farmers.
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Elephant calf brought from Bijnor kept under care at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve
Pilibhit (PTI): A 19-day-old elephant calf, brought from Bijnor, was placed under care at the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve (PTR) on Sunday, an official said and added that the calf got separated from its mother in the forest area of Bijnor.
The calf was born on December 2 in the Bijnor forest area and got separated from its mother shortly after birth, the official said.
The forest department made several attempts to reunite it with its mother, but without any success. To ensure the calf's safety and better care, it was decided to transfer it to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve on the instructions of senior officials.
On Saturday, Deputy Director Manish Singh received the calf. Special arrangements have been made in the reserve for its care. It has been kept in a safe and clean environment to provide it with a natural setting and protect it from external noise and disturbances.
Singh told reporters that raising an 19-day-old calf is challenging.
It requires a special diet as a substitute for mother's milk and constant monitoring.
He said a special team has been formed to provide 24-hour care. Since the calf is very young, it is being cared for like a newborn baby.
According to Singh, the primary responsibility for monitoring the calf's health has been entrusted to PTR's veterinarian, Dr Daksh Gangwar. Under his supervision, a complete record of the calf's health checkups, diet, and body temperature is being maintained. The team is ensuring that the calf does not contract any infection.
