Govt to clear farmers' relief package backlog

Govt to clear farmers' relief package backlogFarmers have a reason to smile. The state government has announced to clear all the backlog of the compensation promised to the farmers for the crop damage. The funds will be handed over before the end of the current fiscal year. The announcement to this effect was made deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar in the legislative assembly on Thursday. On the second day of the winter session, BJP leader Eknath Khadse demanded to set aside the question hour and initiate a debate on the farmers' issue. Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan agreed for the debate.

But the Opposition insisted on assurance for the time bound implementation. In past 2-3 years the compensation amount promised to the farmers has not been paid. "Helping the farmers is the motive of the government. In cases where farmer has been promised the compensation, but has yet not received the funds, will get the monetary help before the end of March 2011 (the current fiscal year)," he assured the members.